Florida Rep. Cory Mills has lost his Republican primary, ending his bid for another term in the U.S. House after months of political controversy and an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation.
Mills, a two-term Republican representing Florida's 7th Congressional District, was defeated Tuesday by former television news anchor Ryan Elijah. Elijah won roughly 47% of the vote, while Mills received about 34%, according to election results reported by major news organizations.
The result marks a major setback for Mills, whose campaign had been under increasing scrutiny over allegations involving campaign finance and congressional conduct, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence. Mills has denied wrongdoing. The House Ethics Committee's investigation has remained active as he sought reelection.
Ethics investigation became a major issue
The ethics controversy became increasingly difficult for Mills to overcome during the campaign. The House Ethics Committee has been examining allegations involving financial disclosures, campaign finance practices and possible misuse of congressional resources. Separate allegations concerning personal conduct also drew public attention.
Mills has repeatedly denied the allegations. In July, he also rejected reports that he was the subject of a Justice Department criminal investigation, calling those reports false.
Trump support did not prevent the defeat
The primary result is also notable because Mills had previously received support from former President Donald Trump. However, Trump did not include Mills on a later endorsement list released shortly before the primary, signaling that the congressman's political support had weakened.
Mills' defeat demonstrates how difficult it can be for an incumbent to survive a competitive primary when ethics allegations dominate the campaign.
Ryan Elijah advances to November
With Mills defeated, Ryan Elijah becomes the Republican nominee in Florida's 7th Congressional District. Elijah, a former television news anchor, will face Democratic nominee Bale Dalton in the November general election.
The district remains favorable territory for Republicans, but Democrats are viewing the race as a potential opportunity. Mills' defeat removes an incumbent who had become a major target because of the controversies surrounding his campaign.
What happens next
Mills' primary loss ends his current reelection campaign, but the House Ethics Committee investigation remains an important part of the story. His defeat also adds to a series of notable primary contests that are reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
For Republicans, the result allows the party to move forward with a new nominee in the district. For Democrats, it creates an opportunity to make the November race more competitive.
Bottom line: Cory Mills' defeat represents a dramatic end to his reelection bid after months of controversy. Ryan Elijah's victory now puts him in position to represent Republicans in November, while attention will remain on the unresolved ethics investigation involving Mills.
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