MAGA MATCH

Scandal-Ridden MAGA Star Announces Engagement to 21-Year-Old Girlfriend

“When in Rome you should propose to your girl,” Cawthorne wrote on Instagram.

Former GOP Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced his engagement to 21-year-old Alisya Mata on Saturday. “When in Rome you should propose to your girl,” the one-time North Carolina congressman wrote on an Instagram post about his soon-to-be wife. The photos feature Cawthorn, 30, proposing to Mata in front of the colosseum while parked on a bed of rose petals. “Happiest weekend of my entire life. So thankful to God! When you know, you know. No need to date for years on end without getting married and delaying starting a family,” he added. It’s unclear how long the duo had been together before deciding to tie the knot. Cawthorn was previously married to fitness influencer Cristina Bayardelle for eight months until their divorce in December 2021. They split due to “irreconcilable differences.” The 30-year-old has been embroiled in controversies since his one term in Congress. He alleged, without providing evidence, that his GOP colleagues invited him to orgies, and that they frequently used cocaine. He later said that his claims were “exaggerated.” He has also had multiple run-ins with the law and was arrested last year for failing to appear at a court hearing.