Two Florida Republicans in Congress are throwing their weight behind a primary challenger to Rep. Cory Mills, a move that underscores the incumbent's mounting legal and ethical troubles. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos jointly endorsed Ryan Elijah on Wednesday in the GOP primary for Florida's 7th Congressional District.
In a statement, Luna and Haridopolos called Elijah a "trusted voice in our community" and a "true patriot and freedom fighter," highlighting his background as a former news anchor for WOFL-TV in Orlando before he entered the race in April. They emphasized his commitment to conservative principles and his readiness to serve with integrity.
The endorsement comes as Mills faces an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee into allegations of dating violence and campaign finance violations, which he has denied. The committee has issued more than 20 subpoenas and contacted dozens of witnesses, according to a May statement from Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.).
Mills has also been the subject of a restraining order granted to an ex-girlfriend in October for harassment, and another woman who briefly accused him of assault in February 2025 later recanted. Additionally, Fox News reported last month that the Justice Department is actively investigating Mills, though the specifics remain undisclosed.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-Fla.) has been a vocal critic, introducing resolutions to censure and expel Mills from Congress. In November, the House voted 310-103-12 to refer Mace's censure resolution to the Ethics panel, with Luna and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) among the eight Republicans opposing that referral. Haridopolos voted in favor of the referral.
Elijah's campaign has positioned him as a clean-break alternative, and the primary is set against a backdrop of political uncertainty. Early voting runs from Aug. 8-15, with the primary on Aug. 18. The winner will be heavily favored in November, as the Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely Republican, though it shifted the rating from solidly to likely in January amid Mills's legal troubles. President Trump carried the district by 12.5 points in 2024.
In their statement, Luna and Haridopolos did not mention Mills by name but touted Elijah's platform, saying he will "defend the Constitution, protect the rights of every American, cut wasteful spending, support our veterans and military families" and put his "country and community first." They added, "We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there. Ryan Elijah is that leader."
The endorsement is a significant boost for Elijah, who is seeking to unseat an incumbent with a powerful ally in the state's delegation. The race has drawn national attention as a test of whether ethical controversies can sway GOP primary voters, especially in a district that remains solidly Republican.
Meanwhile, other primaries across the country have seen similar dynamics, such as the Sanders-backed McKinney unseating Thanedar in Detroit, and the Tennessee governor breaking with Trump to back Ogles' rival. These races highlight the broader intra-party battles shaping the GOP heading into the general election.
