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A House Ethics Committee investigation and allegations of a federal probe proved too formidable an obstacle for Rep. Cory Mills on Tuesday, when the Florida Republican fell short in his attempt to secure a third consecutive term representing the state’s 7th Congressional District. The Trump endorsement, typically a decisive factor in Republican primaries, could not overcome the mounting scandals threatening Mills’ political future.
Ryan Elijah, a former FOX 35 news anchor and ex-NFL sideline reporter based in the Orlando area, emerged victorious in the race. Elijah, who resides in Seminole County with his wife and two sons, claimed the seat despite Mills entering primary day with substantial leads in multiple polling surveys.
Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina spearheaded a bipartisan push to censure Mills and contemplated seeking his expulsion from Congress before ultimately retreating from that effort. Mace subsequently endorsed Elijah’s candidacy. Florida Republicans Mike Haridopolos and Anna Paulina Luna announced their support for Elijah earlier this month, adding to the pressure against the incumbent.
Mills, a military veteran who repeatedly touted his presidential endorsement during campaigning, joins a growing roster of House Republicans forced from their posts following ethics scandals. Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina abandoned his reelection campaign following a damaging House Ethics Committee report alleging harassment of female staffers. Democratic leadership had identified Mills as a potential weakness for Republicans heading into 2026, though it remains unclear whether they will pursue similar strategies against Elijah.
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