Johnny Fratto, one of the entrepreneurs behind MAGA Beer, announced Wednesday that he is dropping out of the Republican primary for Florida's 19th Congressional District and endorsing Madison Cawthorn.

Fratto, a longtime conservative activist, launched his campaign in 2025 to succeed Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida Governor. His decision comes amid a crowded field in the solidly Republican district spanning coastal Southwest Florida.

The August primary features many GOP contenders, including Cawthorn, a former one-term congressman from North Carolina who relocated to Southwest Florida and entered the race in October 2025. Other candidates include Catalina Lauf, Jim Oberweis, Chris Collins, and Jim Schwartzel.

Fratto previously ran unsuccessfully for the 26th District in 2024 against Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. He gained attention for launching MAGA Beer, a brand marketed to conservative consumers, and positioned himself as a grassroots MAGA candidate emphasizing border security, economic growth and Second Amendment rights.

Cawthorn welcomed the endorsement. 'Johnny is a true patriot, an outstanding Floridian, and a friend who cares passionately about our state and country. We both agree that President Trump needs warriors in Washington who have experience fighting the Swamp as quickly as possible. I’m grateful for his endorsement and look forward to consolidating the entire GOP primary field soon so we can get to work assisting President Trump on implementing the America First Agenda,' Cawthorn said.

The district, rated safely Republican by analysts, saw Donalds win by a landslide in 2024. No Democrat has held the seat in over a decade. With Fratto's exit, the primary dynamics shift further toward higher-profile entrants like Cawthorn and out-of-state figures seeking political redemption.