U.S. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) testified in a Florida courtroom on Friday to contest a restraining order request filed by his former girlfriend, Lindsay Langston. Langston, the 2024 Miss United States and a Republican state committee woman, has accused the two-term congressman of causing her extreme emotional distress through threats and harassment. The proceedings followed an earlier hearing this month where both parties provided testimony regarding their relationship, which began in late 2021.
The legal dispute centers on a series of text messages and communications sent after the relationship ended. Langston testified that she is "terrified" of Mills and remains afraid to date due to his alleged threats. Mills denied the allegations in court, stating he had no "intent to do anything salacious" and argued that taking such actions would be detrimental to his political career.
During the Friday hearing, Mills addressed allegations regarding sexually explicit videos. He stated that while Langston had sent him intimate videos in the past, he no longer possessed them because his phone had been replaced due to damage. He testified that his references to videos in messages actually pertained to recordings of Langston baking, which he intended to show to future partners to prove they had a prior relationship. He also characterized a message telling a future partner to "strap up cowboy" as a rodeo metaphor for a "wild ride" rather than a threat of violence.
Attorneys also questioned Mills about his personal life and other ongoing matters. Bobi Frank, representing Langston, questioned why Mills remained married despite previously stating he intended to divorce; Mills testified that the four-year process was complicated by his business interests. The court also noted that Mills is currently facing an ethics investigation into whether he benefited from federal contracts while in office, and he previously faced an assault allegation in Washington that was withdrawn without charges.
The case highlights the intersection of private legal disputes and public office for federal officials. A permanent restraining order, if granted, would establish a legal mandate for the congressman to maintain a specific distance from Langston, a fellow political figure within the Florida Republican Party. The scale of the legal conflict is currently confined to these two parties and their legal counsel, but the testimony has already entered public records regarding a lawmaker who represents suburban Orlando and parts of the Atlantic coast.
Day-to-day, the proceedings have not yet altered Mills’ voting record or committee assignments, but the court’s decision will determine his legal rights regarding contact and proximity to the petitioner. A ruling is expected following the submission of final recommendations by attorneys. Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein scheduled the deadline for these legal recommendations for next Thursday, after which a final decision on the injunction will be issued.
Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein stated he will rule on the injunction request after receiving final recommendations from attorneys, which are due by Thursday, October 2, 2025. The specific effective date of any potential order was not reported.