Rep. Cory Mills loses Florida primary amid Ethics probe

Kate Santaliz

Close-up of a middle-aged man with a gray beard, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and a red patterned tie, seated in a formal setting with wooden panels in the background. — Rep. Cory Mills at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on April 29. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) lost his primary Tuesday night to former TV reporter Ryan Elijah in Florida's 7th District, according to the Associated Press.

Why it matters: Mills' loss comes after months of mounting scrutiny — including an active House Ethics Committee investigation — that cost him support from prominent Florida Republicans.

Mills is facing a House Ethics probe over allegations that center on domestic abuse, stolen valor and financial misconduct, all of which he denies.

Catch up quick: Trump had endorsed Mills last year but last week issued a new endorsement list that notably snubbed him.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) also said he doesn't support Mills.
Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) backed Elijah earlier this month, with Haridopolos telling Axios that Elijah is a "true family man who can win in November in this safe Republican seat."

What's next: Democrats see the district as a pickup opportunity, but would have rather faced off against Mills.

Trump won the district by 13 points in 2024.

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Rep. Cory Mills loses Florida primary amid Ethics probe

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