TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Two Florida Republican House members — Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos — shook up the state’s 7th District GOP primary Wednesday by endorsing Ryan Elijah over the embattled and Trump-endorsed incumbent, Rep. Cory Mills.
The move is the latest sign of the GOP turning up the heat on Mills, who has struggled to raise money amid an ongoing House ethics investigation. A judge issued a restraining order last year after Mills was accused by a former girlfriend of threatening to circulate sexually explicit videos of her. Mills has denied any wrongdoing. By supporting Elijah, a former FOX 35 Orlando anchor, the lawmakers are attempting to rally behind one of the four Republicans in the running, with Democrats seeking a possible flip.
“We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there. Ryan Elijah is that leader,” Luna and Haridopolos said onsocial media.
But aside from backing Elijah, Luna went further to say Mills should drop out of the race.
“He needs to not be seeking reelection,” Luna said in a text message to POLITICO.
Elijah faces an Aug. 18 primary headlined by Mills, whom President Donald Trump endorsed as a “Successful Entrepreneur, and Brave U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Bronze Star recipient.” The race also features Michael Don Johnson, an Army veteran and former Army intelligence specialist whosued in a failed attempt to kick Mills off the ballot, and businesswoman Sarah Ulrich.
Elijah maintains that attacking Mills has not been a focus of his campaign, as he instead tells voters the allegations against his opponent are serious and that the House Ethics panel should continue its probe.
“I’m honored to have the endorsements of two Florida Representatives I deeply respect,” Elijah said in a statement to POLITICO. “They understand what’s at stake in our congressional race and know I’m the clear choice to win in November.”
Mills did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the endorsement.
Kimbery Leonard and Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
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