A Florida judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) from the Aug. 18 GOP primary, ruling that election officials—not courts—should handle such challenges. The decision allows Mills to remain on the ballot, clearing a legal hurdle in his reelection bid.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
- Leon Circuit Judge Lee Marsh dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice on July 17, stating that the challenge lacked legal grounds for judicial intervention. The ruling reaffirmed that voters, not courts, decide candidate qualifications.
- Michael Johnson, a GOP primary challenger, sued Mills over allegations that his candidate oath was notarized in Washington, D.C., rather than Florida, violating state notary laws. Johnson plans to appeal.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
The Legal Challenge
Johnson’s lawsuit centered on the notarization of Mills’ qualification documents. The oath was notarized by Alejandro Blair, a Florida notary and chief of staff to Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), while Mills and Blair were in Washington. Johnson argued this violated Florida notary laws, but the judge ruled the issue fell outside the court’s jurisdiction.
Judge’s Rationale
Marsh emphasized that election officials, not courts, are responsible for verifying candidate qualifications. “The voters get to decide who they want to represent them,” he said, suggesting voters could assess the notarization issue themselves.
Opposing Perspectives
- Johnson’s stance: He framed the case as a matter of legal compliance, stating, “We cannot let people get away with violating Florida notary laws.”
- Mills’ camp: No direct response was reported, but the dismissal allows him to focus on the primary race.
Next Steps
Johnson has indicated he will appeal the ruling. If upheld, Mills will proceed in the primary, where he faces three Republican challengers in Florida’s 7th District. The district covers parts of Volusia and Seminole counties.