Scandal-Plagued Cory Mills Loses Reelection Bid To Primary Challenger

Former local news anchor Ryan Elijah defeated Republican Florida Rep. Cory Mills in Tuesday’s primary after the incumbent became embroiled in controversy.

Mills has been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over multiple allegations, including sexual misconduct and campaign finance infractions. The incumbent congressman lost his reelection bid after serving two terms since January 2023.

Elijah had 46.9% of the vote to Mills’ 34.4% with 82% of ballots counted, according to the Associated Press.

Two other Republicans, Sarah Ulrich and Michael Johnson, ran in the race.

Mills’ loss came after President Donald Trump did not mention him while releasing a series of endorsements, though Trump had endorsed Mills in the past. Candidates endorsed by Trump have fared well in their races in the 2026 primary cycle, including Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Republican Louisiana Rep. Julia Letlow, who defeated Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy in the Senate primary in May.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to endorse the congressman.

“I have not endorsed Cory Mills and I do not support Cory Mills,” DeSantis said.

Republican Florida Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed