Florida voters reject Cory Mills’ reelection bid amid dating violence allegations

August 18, 2026

Florida Representative Cory Mills lost his Republican primary reelection bid to former Fox news anchor Ryan Elijah, following serious allegations of assault and threats involving multiple women. Mills had received President Trump's endorsement in February, but faced growing opposition from within his own party, including from fellow Florida Republicans and Governor Ron DeSantis who withdrew their support. The allegations against Mills include an assault investigation by D.C. police and a court-issued protective order from a former girlfriend who claimed he threatened to release intimate images.

Who is affected

Rep. Cory Mills (lost primary election)
Ryan Elijah (won Republican nomination)
A 27-year-old woman (alleged assault victim)
Lindsey Langston (Mills' former girlfriend who obtained protective order)
Republican voters in Florida's 7th Congressional District
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and other Florida Republicans who opposed Mills
Bale Dalton (Democratic candidate for November election)
President Donald Trump (endorsed Mills)
Governor Ron DeSantis (withdrew support from Mills)

What action is being taken

The House Ethics Committee is investigating both the February assault incident and the protective order issued against Mills
Ryan Elijah is preparing to face Democrat Bale Dalton in the November general election

Why it matters

This race represents a significant moment where Republican voters rejected a candidate facing serious misconduct allegations despite presidential endorsement, demonstrating limits to Trump's influence when allegations against women are involved. The outcome is part of a larger pattern in 2025 where multiple congressmen from both parties have lost their positions due to misconduct allegations against women, potentially signaling changing accountability standards in Congress. The primary result may also make Florida's 7th Congressional District more competitive for Democrats in November, as political analysts had warned that Mills' nomination would create vulnerabilities for Republicans in a district Trump won by 12 points.

What's next

Ryan Elijah will face Democrat Bale Dalton in the November general election for Florida's 7th Congressional District.

Read full article from source: The 19th