Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly withdrawn support for Representative Cory Mills in next week's Republican primary, making him the latest prominent GOP figure to distance himself from the embattled congressman. During a press conference on Friday, DeSantis stated plainly, "I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills," when asked about his preference in the race for Florida's 7th Congressional District. His remarks were captured by C-SPAN cameras.
Mills, who has represented the district since 2023, is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations including dating violence and campaign finance violations. He has denied all accusations. The congressman's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on DeSantis's statement.
The governor's rebuke is not an isolated incident. Several other Florida Republican lawmakers have already turned against Mills, citing concerns about his conduct and the ongoing probe. Earlier this month, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed Mills's primary challenger, Ryan Elijah, a former local TV news anchor. In a joint statement, they praised Elijah as "a true patriot and freedom fighter," adding, "We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there."
DeSantis's decision also reflects a broader political rift between him and Mills. Mills backed former President Donald Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 presidential race. Later, when Senator Marco Rubio was nominated as Secretary of State, DeSantis chose to appoint then-Attorney General Ashley Moody to the vacant seat, bypassing Mills, who had reportedly sought the position.
President Trump endorsed Mills back in February, but he has not reiterated that support in the weeks leading up to the primary. Notably, Trump has recently reposted endorsements for other Florida candidates, but not for Mills, a sign that his backing may have cooled amid the ethics controversy.
Ryan Elijah has seized on the growing opposition to Mills, reposting DeSantis's remarks on Friday. However, DeSantis has not yet indicated whether he will formally endorse Elijah or any other candidate in the race. The governor's office has been contacted for further comment.
The primary election is scheduled for next Tuesday, and the race has become a test of how much weight ethical allegations and intra-party disputes carry with Florida Republicans. With key figures like DeSantis and several members of the state's congressional delegation now siding against Mills, his path to renomination appears increasingly uncertain. Political analysts note that the outcome could send ripples through the GOP, especially as the party navigates its narrow House majority and prepares for the 2026 midterms.
For now, Mills remains on the ballot, but the political establishment's retreat from his campaign is unmistakable. Whether that translates into a victory for Elijah will be determined by voters in the coming days. As the party unity debates seen in other primaries continue to shape Republican contests, Florida's 7th District offers another flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over the party's direction.
