Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C. has filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections over its inquiry into whether he is eligible for reelection, arguing that running for office is a "quintessential First Amendment activity."
His suit comes weeks after eleven North Carolina voters urged the board earlier this month to preclude the conservative's candidacy, citing Cawthorn's participation in the rally that preceded the January 6 Capitol riot. State election officials are reportedly aiming the block Cawthorn's candidacy on the basis of the 14th Amendment, which states that no member of Congress "shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same."
