Florida Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) has been decisively defeated in the Republican primary for the state’s 7th Congressional District, ending his congressional tenure after a campaign marred by multiple allegations and mounting political pressure. Polls closed on Tuesday with nearly 94% of votes counted, confirming challenger Ryan Elijah’s victory over Mills with a margin of 47% to 34.3%. The race was officially called by approximately 8 p.m. ET, marking the culmination of Mills’ brief congressional run.
Mills, who first won election in 2022 with a 15-point margin and secured re-election in 2024 with a 13-point lead, faced significant challenges ahead of the contest. A recent Victory Insights poll labeled his support levels “extremely concerning” for the incumbent, while Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) publicly stated on Friday that he had “not endorsed Cory Mills and do not support Cory Mills.”
The loss did not surprise Mills, who has long been embroiled in a series of scandals. Allegations include stolen valor, converting to Islam, meeting with a Syrian leader previously labeled a terrorist, and threatening a beauty queen with revenge porn. In February 2025, Mills allegedly sent threatening messages to Lindsey Langston, then Miss United States, following their breakup after three years. A Florida judge granted Langston a restraining order against Mills in October 2025.
Additionally, Mills is currently under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice regarding financial matters. Elijah will now face Florida Democrat Bale Dalton in the November general election.
