U.S. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) faced a primary election on Tuesday while under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. The second-term congressman is one of several House members recently facing allegations of domestic abuse or misconduct while seeking reelection. Mills has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and has refused to step down from his seat representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
The House Ethics Committee opened its investigation earlier this year to examine claims that Mills assaulted a former girlfriend, violated campaign finance laws, and misused congressional resources. In October, a judge issued a restraining order against Mills that prohibited him from contacting an ex-partner following allegations that he threatened to leak private images as blackmail. Additionally, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has accused Mills of "stolen valor" regarding his Bronze Star application, citing accounts from service members who disputed his claims of saving lives.
During the primary campaign, Mills prominently featured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which was originally given in February. However, reports noted that Trump did not include Mills in several social media endorsements posted immediately preceding the Tuesday primary. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also stated last week that he did not support or endorse Mills. In the Republican primary, Mills faced challengers Ryan Elijah, a former news anchor; Sarah Ulrich, a real estate agent; and Michael Don Johnson, a Department of Defense employee.
For voters in the district, the controversy surrounding Mills may impact the level of federal representation and legislative focus they receive. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has stated that the Ethics Committee process must conclude before the House takes any disciplinary action, such as the expulsion votes some Republicans, including Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have suggested. If Mills were to be expelled or lose his seat, the slim Republican majority in the House would be further reduced, potentially impacting the passage of federal budgets, tax policies, and social programs that directly affect household finances and services.
The primary results will determine whether Republicans proceed with an incumbent facing active ethics investigations or a new candidate who may lack the same "baggage" cited by local voters. Democrats are fielding candidates including Bale Dalton and former Rep. Alan Grayson, hoping that the Republican internal friction provides an opening to flip the seat in November. The primary election took place on August 18, 2026, with the winner advancing to the general election. The House Ethics Committee has not yet announced a deadline for completing its investigation.