Rep. Cory Mills is facing a new primary challenge as scrutiny mounts over allegations that have dogged his time in office.
Ryan Elijah, a former FOX 35 Orlando news anchor, announced Tuesday that he is entering the Republican primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, setting up a potential showdown with the embattled incumbent ahead of the August election.
Elijah said GOP voters deserve another option as Mills continues to deal with multiple allegations, including claims of sexual misconduct and campaign finance issues.
“People in the Seventh District want another choice,” Elijah said in an interview.
He described the accusations against Mills as “serious” and said the House Ethics Committee should be allowed to continue its work. The committee confirmed last week that its only active probe involving sexual misconduct or dating violence is tied to Mills.
That investigation has been ongoing since November, with no clear timeline for when it will wrap up.
Mills has also been accused of threatening to release explicit images of a former girlfriend after their relationship ended. A judge later issued an order barring him from contacting her. Separately, he was linked to a domestic incident in Washington, D.C., last year that prompted a police response.
Cory Mills, representative of the 7th district of Florida
The congressman has denied all allegations and has not been charged with a crime.
“I’ve never been indicted for anything,” Mills said in a recent interview. “Everything has just been an accusation, allegation.”
Elijah, who has lived in Florida for two decades, said he was encouraged to run after hearing from local leaders who wanted a new candidate in the race.
GOP House candidate Ryan Elijah, left, attends UFL event. (Ryan Elijah campaign)
He also warned that Mills could become a liability in November, arguing that Republicans risk losing the seat if the current congressman remains the nominee.
“There’s obviously a chance we could lose the seat,” Elijah said.
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The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the race earlier this year, moving it from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican,” signaling a more competitive landscape.
Financial filings add to the challenge. Mills reported just over $115,000 cash on hand entering April while carrying more than $2 million in debt, according to the Federal Election Commission.
On the Democratic side, Bale Dalton, a former NASA chief of staff, posted stronger early numbers, ending the first quarter of 2026 with $464,000 in cash available as Democrats eye the district as a potential pickup.
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