GOP Rep. Cory Mills loses his Florida primary amid investigations

Republican Rep. Cory Mills has lost his primary in Florida, NBC News projects, amid a swirl of investigations and negative publicity and despite running with the backing of President Donald Trump.

Former television journalist Ryan Elijah captured the Republican nomination over Mills in Florida’s 7th District, a seat Trump carried by 12 percentage points in 2024. Democrats have hoped to make it competitive this fall, especially if Mills were on the ballot.

With more than 80% of the expected vote counted, Elijah had 46% of the GOP primary vote to 34% for Mills.

Unlike other incumbents who have fallen short this year for being on the wrong side of intraparty divides, Mills was defeated as he has been dogged by multiple investigations , including a House Ethics Committee probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations, as well as a Justice Department investigation into his finances. He has denied wrongdoing.

Despite his struggles, Mills still got Trump’s endorsement. The loss makes him the latest member of a relatively rare set of Republican candidates who lost GOP primaries even with Trump’s blessing. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee also lost his primary this month with Trump’s support.

Mills is the 11th House member — seven Democrats and four Republicans — to lose a primary this year, an unusually high number .

Elijah ran with support from a slew of prominent Florida Republicans who have either directly or indirectly referred to Mills’ woes. Republican Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos took the rare step of endorsing against a House colleague, putting out a statement that emphasized Elijah’s character.

“We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there,” they wrote.