Members of embattled GOP Rep. Cory Mills' (Fla.) own delegation are coming out against him ahead of his August 18 primary, with Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) announcing Wednesday they are backing his primary challenger Ryan Elijah.
Luna and Haridopolos jointly endorsed Elijah — the former Orlando news anchor challenging Mills — in a statement posted on X this week. The statement did not mention Mills by name.
"We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there," they wrote, adding that Elijah "will fight to defend the Constitution, protect the rights of every American, cut wasteful spending, support our veterans and military families, and ensure Central Florida has a strong, principled advocate who puts country and community first."
"Ryan Elijah is an excellent candidate and clearly has the support of leaders in the community. A true family man who can win BIG in November," Haridopolos told Sources Say News.
Elijah welcomed the backing from the Florida members.
"I'm honored to have the endorsements of two Florida Representatives I deeply respect. They understand what's at stake in our congressional race and know I'm the clear choice to win in November," he told Sources Say News.
Mills is heading into the primary under an active House Ethics investigation covering allegations of campaign finance violations, domestic abuse, improper gifts, financial disclosure violations and misuse of congressional resources. MS NOW first reported that the DOJ has also opened a criminal inquiry, though Mills has denied knowing anything about it and called it politically motivated.
He has also faced allegations of soliciting sex workers on a trip to evacuate Americans from Afghanistan following the 2021 withdrawal, a restraining order granted to a former girlfriend that has since lapsed and allegations of unpaid rent. He has denied wrongdoing across the board.
His second quarter fundraising did not help — he closed Q2 with just $81,000 cash on hand after raising under $61,000, though Mills has said he plans to self-fund.
