- Cory Mills has lost his primary in Florida, as projected by NBC News, amid a swirl of investigations and negative publicity, despite running with the backing of President Donald Trump.
- Mills faces allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, along with campaign finance violations.
- Mills has denied the allegations against him and has sought to portray them as politically motivated.
- Former television journalist Ryan Elijah captured the Republican nomination over Mills in Florida's 7th District.
- With more than 80% of the expected vote counted, Mills received 34% of the GOP primary vote.
- Mills was defeated as he has been dogged by investigations, including a House Ethics Committee probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.
- Elijah ran with support from a slew of prominent Florida Republicans who have referred to Mills' woes.
- Mills struggled to raise money, pulling in less than $900,000 through late July.
- While neither candidate spent much on the airwaves, Elijah significantly outspent Mills on ads: $82,000 to $12,000.
Republican Rep. Cory Mills lost his primary in Florida's 7th District to Ryan Elijah, despite an endorsement from Donald Trump. Mills faced multiple investigations, including a House Ethics Committee probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.1236789
Mills has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. The House Ethics Committee has authorized over 20 subpoenas and is reviewing serious allegations, including possible domestic violence and violations of election finance law.
Despite Trump's backing, Mills struggled to gain support from fellow Republicans, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who declined to endorse him. Notably, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed Elijah, emphasizing his character over Mills.
Mills' campaign was financially weak, raising less than $900,000 through late July, while Elijah outspent him on ads ($82,000 to $12,000). This loss marks Mills as part of a rare group of Republican candidates who have lost primaries despite Trump's endorsement, highlighting the impact of ongoing investigations and negative publicity on his political future.
“Mills lost the primary to Ryan Elijah, who received support from prominent Florida Republicans, including endorsements from Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos. Despite Trump's earlier endorsement, Mills struggled to raise funds, pulling in less than $900,000 through late July, while Elijah outspent him significantly on ads.”
