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NewsTampa Bay TimesAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough

Florida GOP officials withdraw support for U.S. Rep. Cory Mills ahead of primary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other prominent Republicans have publicly withdrawn support for U.S. Representative Cory Mills as he seeks a third term in Florida's 7th Congressional District. The shift in support follows allegations of personal misconduct and questions regarding the congressman's military service record.

electionspolitical-endorsementsmisconduct-allegationscongressional-politics
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Why It Matters

The loss of support from party leadership and the withdrawal of a previous endorsement from Donald Trump creates uncertainty for the 's reelection bid in a district where Republicans hold a slim majority.

Key Facts

  • U.S. Rep. Cory Mills is seeking his third term in Florida's 7th Congressional District.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis publicly stated he does not support Cory Mills.
  • U.S. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed Mills' primary opponent, Ryan Elijah.
  • Donald Trump removed Cory Mills from his list of re-endorsed candidates.
  • Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who endorsed Mills in 2022, is now backing Ryan Elijah.
  • Mills faces allegations including assault, threatening to release explicit images, and falsifying military service records.
  • Mills' finances are reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice.
  • Early August polls show Mills leading Ryan Elijah by 7 to 15 percentage points.
  • Other Republican primary candidates include Sarah Ulrich and Michael Johnson.
  • 37 Republican House members and 7 GOP senators are not seeking reelection this cycle.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”personRyan Elijah“Primary opponent to Cory Mills”personAnna Paulina Luna“U.S. Representative”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”personDonald Trump“Former President of the United States”personCory Mills“U.S. Representative for Florida's 7th District seeking reelection”personNancy Mace“U.S. Representative from South Carolina”personMike Haridopolos“U.S. Representative”personMichael Johnson“Republican primary candidate”personSarah Ulrich“Republican primary candidate”