“We must have a representative in Washington who puts your needs first,” said Ryan Elijah, announcing his candidacy against Cory Mills in the Republican primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District. The election is set for August 18, 2026, and it comes at a tumultuous time for Mills, who is embroiled in serious allegations.
Mills currently faces a House Ethics Committee investigation regarding six allegations, including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. “The accusations are serious,” Elijah noted, underscoring the gravity of the situation as he campaigns on issues important to families and small businesses.
Elijah has lived in the district for 14 years and aims to connect with voters on public safety and community needs. Meanwhile, Mills, who was first elected in 2022 and reelected in 2024, has denied any wrongdoing and is seeking a third term.
The political landscape is heating up as other candidates enter the fray. In addition to Elijah, two other Republicans—Michael Johnson and Sarah Ulrich—are vying for their chance against Mills. Notably, Democratic candidate Bale Dalton has gained traction by significantly out-raising Mills by a 4-to-1 margin since entering the race.
Nancy Mace, a fellow Republican, has also weighed in on the situation, stating emphatically that “He is only coming after me because he knows he’s next,” referring to Mills. This illustrates the tense atmosphere within the party as they navigate these serious allegations.
As of April 2026, Mills reported having $115,000 cash on hand for his campaign. However, with ongoing investigations looming over him and his opponents gaining momentum, his path to reelection may not be as straightforward as he hopes.
The Republican primary promises to be a contentious battle as candidates like Elijah strive to resonate with constituents eager for change amid uncertainty surrounding their current representative.
