Embattled Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills fights to keep his House seat

“Incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, a Trump‑endorsed Republican from Florida’s 7th congressional district, was defeated in the GOP primary by former TV anchor Ryan Elijah, who won by roughly 12 percentage points. Mills faced a House Ethics Committee investigation over alleged sexual misconduct and campaign‑finance violations, which he denies. While President Trump publicly backed Mills, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withheld endorsement, and other state GOP leaders rallied behind Elijah. The district, spanning central Florida from Orlando’s northern suburbs to the Daytona Beach coast, remained unchanged after the state’s recent redistricting. Voters expressed mixed views: some praised Mills for delivering funds and fixing local issues, while others cited his personal “baggage” as a disqualifier. Expert Analysis: Mills’ loss underscores how ethical scandals can outweigh party loyalty in tightly contested primaries, reshaping the GOP’s foothold in a swing‑adjacent district. The shift may influence federal funding priorities for central Florida, especially in defense‑related projects and infrastructure, potentially affecting local economies and consumer confidence in the region.”