Florida GOP Lawmakers Abandon Scandal-Plagued Cory Mills, Back Primary Challenger

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Florida GOP Lawmakers Abandon Scandal-Plagued Cory Mills, Back Primary Challenger

Trump-endorsed Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida did not receive backing from two of his colleagues in the Florida congressional delegation, who instead endorsed Mills’ primary challenger.

Republican Florida Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos announced Wednesday that they are endorsing former Orlando television news anchor Ryan Elijah in the Republican primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District.

In a joint social media statement shared by Luna, the lawmakers praised Elijah.

“Ryan has spent years as a trusted voice in our community, listening to neighbors, amplifying local concerns, and building relationships rooted in service,” the post reads. “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 lawmakers also touted Elijah’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, constitutional rights and support for law enforcement and military families.

“Ryan is a true patriot and freedom fighter who will take that same dedication to Washington,” the pair continued. “He will fight to defend the Constitution, protect the rights of every American, cut wasteful spending, support our veterans and military families, and ensure Central Florida has a strong, principled advocate who puts country and community first.”

The endorsement represents a political blow to Mills, who has faced mounting scrutiny in recent months, The Hill reported.

Mills is the subject of an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of dating violence and campaign finance transgressions. In October 2025, a state judge granted one of Mills’ former girlfriends a restraining order, and another woman he was dating told police he assaulted her in February 2025 before later recanting the allegation.

Fox News reported in July that the Justice Department is actively investigating Mills, though the nature of that probe remains unclear. (RELATED: Trump DOJ Reportedly Investigating GOP Rep. Cory Mills)

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Caroline introduced a resolution in 2025 to censure Mills and remove him from his committee assignments, but the House instead voted 310-103-12 to refer the measure to the Ethics Committee.

Luna was among the eight Republicans who voted against sending the resolution to the panel. She also called for him to resign in her post, which supported Elijah.

Despite the setback, Mills pointed to his continued backing from President Donald Trump, “not once, not twice, but three times.”

Mills also defended his record in Congress, arguing that his office has returned over $107 million to constituents, led Florida in constituent services, maintained a strong conservative voting record, and flipped Florida’s 7th District from blue to red, according to The Hill.

Despite this, Elijah has seen success on the campaign trail.

According to Florida Politics, he outraised Mills in the last quarter by $242,000 and has secured support from other elected officials, including Republican Sen. Tom Wright of Florida and state sheriffs. (RELATED: Guy Who Dropped Out Of Race Blows Out Trump-Backed Republican Amir Hassan In Swing Seat Primary)

Elijah has welcomed the support, taking to social media to thank Luna and Haridopolos.

“I am honored to have the support of two Florida Representatives I respect so much,” his post reads.