Trump-backed Rep. Cory Mills Ousted in Florida GOP Primary Amid Ethics Scandals
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Incumbent Republican Cory Mills, tainted by ethics investigations and Trump’s endorsement, was defeated in Florida’s 7th District by former journalist Ryan Elijah, signaling a rejection of MAGA politics.
Former television journalist Ryan Elijah clinched the Republican nomination for Florida's 7th Congressional District, unseating incumbent Rep. Cory Mills in a decisive rebuke of Trump-aligned politics. With over 80% of precincts reporting, Elijah led with 46% of the vote, while Mills trailed at 34%, according to projections.
Mills, whose campaign was propped up by President Donald Trump, was dogged by a series of investigations, including a House Ethics Committee probe into alleged sexual misconduct and campaign-finance violations, as well as a Justice Department inquiry into his finances. Mills has denied any wrongdoing, but the mounting scandals reflected the broader pattern of corruption and impunity that has plagued Trump’s inner circle.
Mills’ defeat marks the 11th time an incumbent House member has been ousted in a primary this year, joining seven Democrats and four Republicans who have faced the consequences of voter frustration with establishment and extremist politics. Earlier this month, Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, another Trump loyalist, also lost a GOP primary despite the former president’s backing.
Two fellow Florida Republicans, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos, broke ranks with the MAGA wing and endorsed Elijah, declaring, "We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there."
Campaign finance reports revealed that Mills, despite raising less than $900,000 through late July—about twice Elijah's total but still below the average for incumbents—could not overcome the cloud of scandal. Elijah outspent Mills on advertising, investing $82,000 compared to Mills' meager $12,000.
Mills, a former Army veteran and military contractor first elected in 2022, has faced bipartisan demands for his resignation and allegations of harassment from an ex-girlfriend, which he continues to deny. His loss underscores the growing rejection of Trumpism and the demand for accountability in public office.