Madison Cawthorn, a rising Republican star, was elected the youngest member of Congress and celebrated with the tweet 'Cry more, lib'

At the age of 25, Madison Cawthorn will become the youngest member of Congress after winning his House race in North Carolina on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Republican is pro-Trump, pro-Life, and pro-Second Amendment and has been tagged as a rising star in the GOP, earning a primetime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention in August.

Cawthorne was home-schooled in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He had planned to serve the Navy, receiving a nomination to the United States Naval Academy in 2014 by US Representative Mark Meadows.

However, that year, Cawthorn was involved in a nearly fatal car accident returning from a spring break trip in Florida with his friends.

The good Dr. ChiChi and I right before he got the pleasure of slicing me up. The best surgeon of this generation without a doubt. Glad everything went well. Now comes the hard part... Bed rest for a few weeks. #CabinFever

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Nov 12, 2014 at 3:02pm PSTNov 12, 2014 at 3:02pm PST

Source: Madison Cawthorn Campaign

Cawthorn's friend fell asleep while driving their SUV and it crashed into a concrete barrier and burst into flames. The injuries left Cawthorn partially paralyzed, and he now uses a wheelchair.

During his campaign, Cawthorn repeatedly claimed that his dreams of attending the United States Naval Academy had been "derailed" by the accident.

Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Conquered yet another vehicle since being paralyzed. • • I love all this warm weather and fun (and @cristina_bae4) but I cannot wait to get back to Western North Carolina! Lots to do be done in our region in 2020. Let’s make it the best year yet! God bless.

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Dec 31, 2019 at 3:59pm PSTDec 31, 2019 at 3:59pm PST

Source: ABC 13 News

However, a local news report in August found that the Naval academy had actually rejected him before the life-changing crash.

Had the distinct honor of getting to spend some time in Gen. Daniel Allyn's office, second in command of the Army. Great team around him.

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Oct 21, 2015 at 4:20pm PDTOct 21, 2015 at 4:20pm PDT

"I never said I was appointed or accepted to the academy, I knew that I'd only been nominated at that point," Cawthorn said, in response to the report, according to ABC13 News.

"I fully expected to be accepted and to be appointed, but at that point, I hadn't received it. So I've been very careful never to mischaracterize who I am as a person," he added.

Source: ABC 13 News

Cawthorn became an investor and motivational speaker, quickly gaining a massive following on social media.

Absolutely love getting to work in a way that brings glory to Jesus. Getting to speak for a living keeps me up late at night and I am constantly having to be the master of my nerves, but oh does it give me the highest high. Blessed to live this life.

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Jan 20, 2019 at 11:59am PSTJan 20, 2019 at 11:59am PST

Source: Business Insider

In June 2020, Cawthorn made national headlines when he defeated realtor Lynda Bennett by over 30 points in the Republican primary. Bennett had been endorsed by President Trump and Cawthorn's mentor, Mark Meadows.

WOW! Touching this desk, and imagining all that has been done around it since 1880 was so inspiring. So incredibly generous of our great president to allow me to bring my whole family to the White House. We were all tested for Covid-19 and waited until our test results came back (making this clear for the liberal reporters who are salivating because there are no masks in these photos) then got to go inside the west wing. The most memorable day of my life. Looking forward to serving this great nation as the youngest congressman in history. Also big thanks to @repkevinmccarthy for coming as well and making my family feel so welcome and honored. • • Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Jul 23, 2020 at 1:52pm PDTJul 23, 2020 at 1:52pm PDT

In June 2020, Cawthorn made national headlines when he defeated realtor Lynda Bennett by over 30 points in the Republican primary. Bennett had been endorsed by President Trump and Cawthorn's mentor, Mark Meadows.

Earlier this year, Cawthorn was probed over old social media posts in which he referred to Hitler as "the Fuhrer" and said that visiting Hitler's vacation home in Germany had been on his "bucket list," and that it "did not disappoint."

Hunting combines my three favorite things: Feeding my favorite people, being with those I love, and shooting guns. Thankful that we had three very clean and immediately lethal shots on these beautiful ducks.

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Nov 29, 2019 at 2:23pm PSTNov 29, 2019 at 2:23pm PST

Source: New York Times

Earlier this year, Cawthorn was probed over old social media posts in which he referred to Hitler as "the Fuhrer" and said that visiting Hitler's vacation home in Germany had been on his "bucket list," and that it "did not disappoint."

In August, several women came forward accusing Cawthorn of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. One of these women claimed the 25-year-old pressured her into sitting on his lap before he tried to kiss her forcefully.

Several months later a group of alumni of the Patrick Henry College — where Cawthorn studied briefly in 2016 — released a public letter, accusing him of engaging in "sexually predatory behavior."

I have an absolute unit around me! Motivated, organized, and smart. They make running a campaign fun. Do you guys have any questions of what campaigning is like?

A post shared by Madison Cawthorn (@madisoncawthorn) on Jan 9, 2020 at 4:41pm PSTJan 9, 2020 at 4:41pm PST

The letter was signed by more than 150 Patrick Henry alumni, according to Jezebel.

In response to the letter, Cawthorn's campaign posted a letter of support, with the 25-year-old saying that most of the signers did not know him personally.

Source: Jezebel

Several months later a group of alumni of the Patrick Henry College — where Cawthorn studied briefly in 2016 — released a public letter, accusing him of engaging in "sexually predatory behavior."