Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated Friday that he has not endorsed and does not support Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) ahead of the Aug. 13 Republican primary in Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
DeSantis made the remarks during a visit to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, near the district. His comments follow a pattern of prominent Republicans withholding support from Mills, who faces an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
Mills is one of four Republican candidates vying for the nomination in the primary. His opponents include Ryan Elijah, a former local news anchor who has received endorsements from Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL).
Background: Mills’ Controversies and Ethical Scrutiny
Mills, first elected in 2022, has faced multiple allegations and legal issues in recent months. These include:
- House Ethics Committee Investigation: The committee is examining potential violations related to Mills’ conduct and official duties.
- Allegations of Misconduct: In July 2025, a woman reported to authorities that Mills threatened to release intimate videos of her and harm her future romantic partners.
- Dating Violence Restraining Order: In October 2025, a Florida circuit court issued a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence, citing Mills’ repeated attempts to contact a former partner despite multiple requests to cease contact.
- Assault Allegation: In 2024, D.C. Metropolitan Police responded to a call at Mills’ residence after a 27-year-old woman reported an assault. Body camera footage and police documents confirmed visible bruising consistent with physical assault. Mills was found to have probable cause for misdemeanor assault, and an arrest warrant was sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Mills has also faced criticism over a stolen valor scandal and allegations that his companies violated House rules and federal law by seeking federal contracts while he served on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees.
Political Fallout and Endorsement Shifts
DeSantis’ refusal to endorse Mills aligns with a broader trend among Republicans distancing themselves from the incumbent. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution in early 2025 calling for Mills’ expulsion from Congress, citing the allegations against him. The resolution highlighted the assault allegation and the dating violence restraining order as key reasons for her action.
In contrast, Mills’ primary challengers have gained support from influential figures. Ryan Elijah has secured endorsements from Luna and Haridopolos, both sitting Republican members of Congress. Elijah has positioned himself as an alternative to Mills, emphasizing a break from controversy.
Former President Donald Trump, who had previously endorsed Mills in February 2025, did not mention him in a recent round of endorsements for Florida Republicans ahead of the primary. Trump’s omission follows a period of tension between Mills and DeSantis, including Mills’ public backing of Trump during DeSantis’ presidential campaign.
Mills has not publicly addressed DeSantis’ comments or the broader shift in endorsements. His campaign has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations or the primary race.