Trump-endorsed Rep. Cory Mills loses Florida GOP primary
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Incumbent Republican Rep. Cory Mills was defeated in Florida's 7th District primary by former TV journalist Ryan Elijah, despite receiving President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Former television journalist Ryan Elijah won the Republican nomination for Florida's 7th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Cory Mills. With more than 80% of precincts reporting, Elijah secured 46% of the vote to Mills' 34%, according to projections.
Mills, who had been backed by President Donald Trump, faced multiple 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. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The loss marks the 11th incumbent House member to fall in a primary this year, joining a group of seven Democrats and four Republicans who were unseated. Earlier in the month, Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles also lost a GOP primary despite Trump's support.
Two fellow Florida Republicans, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos, publicly endorsed Elijah, stating, "We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there."
Campaign finance reports show Mills raised less than $900,000 through late July, roughly twice Elijah's total but below the average for incumbent House members. Advertising spending also favored Elijah, who spent about $82,000 on ads compared with Mills' $12,000.
Mills, an Army veteran and former military contractor, was first elected to Congress in 2022. Throughout his term, he has faced bipartisan calls for resignation and allegations from an ex-girlfriend of harassment, which he continues to reject.