Second Democrat announces challenge against Cawthorn

Josh Remillard, an Iraq war veteran, has become the second Democrat to announce a challenge to Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) in the next congressional election, according to the Citizen Times.

The 38-year-old announced his candidacy for North Carolina’s 11th District House seat on Wednesday in a statement obtained by the Citizen Times.

“I served in the Army for eight years, including two combat tours; I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work of strengthening our economy, fixing a broken health-care system, and improving our kids’ education,” Remillard wrote.

Remillard is the second challenger to Cawthorn’s seat. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, a local county commissioner, announced her plans to run against the first-term lawmaker last week.

According to his website, Remillard plans to work to expand Medicaid, raise teacher pay and reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Remillard also took aim at Cawthorn, 25, writing that “Western North Carolina deserves better.”

He added, “We deserve leaders that will uphold the Constitution and make our lives better, not someone who would incite insurrection and prey on women.”

Remillard’s comment follows allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Cawthorn while he was attending college. The young congressman has also faced scrutiny over his role in inciting the Jan. 6 riot, after he spoke at a Trump rally in the nation’s capital earlier that day.