Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made it clear, during a press conference on Friday, that he does not support U.S. Rep. Cory Mills’ re-election for Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
“This is regarding the Republican primary for the 7th Congressional District. I do not support Cory Mills, and I don’t support him,” DeSantis stated at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
DeSantis’ stance comes amid a backdrop of challenges faced by the incumbent Republican, including allegations of financial misconduct and abuse. Earlier this year, Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution aimed at expelling Mills from Congress due to accusations against him, which include violence against women.
Last year, the D.C. Metropolitan Police responded to an incident at the Mills residence following a report from a 27-year-old woman alleging assault. According to a press release outlining Mace’s resolution, police body camera footage and reports showed noticeable bruises indicative of physical abuse. Mills reportedly instructed the woman to deceive police and even attempted to contact former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The D.C. Metro Police had probable cause to arrest Mills for misdemeanor assault, ultimately leading to an arrest by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mace’s office also referenced another incident involving a different woman in July 2025, where Mills allegedly claimed to have distributed intimate videos of her and threatened her future boyfriend.
In October 2025, the Florida Circuit Court issued a Dating Violence Protection Order against Mills, determining that he had ignored multiple requests to cease contact with the woman and caused her significant emotional distress. The press release additionally pointed out issues surrounding Mills’ alleged violations concerning House rules and federal laws, particularly regarding his company pursuing federal contracts while he served on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees.
“The swamp has protected Cory Mills for too long, and we are done ignoring it,” Mace remarked in her statement. “We tried to censure him and remove him from his committee positions. Both parties blocked that, but we won’t back down.”
She added:
The case against Mills is compelling. He has assaulted women, instructed them to lie, engaged in stalking behaviors, fabricated details about his military service, and exploited his position for personal gain. Those who vote to keep him are essentially endorsing abusive behavior toward women and deceit. He should be expelled without delay.
Republican candidate Ryan Ilya is contesting Mills for the upcoming election. Interestingly, Donald Trump, who had previously backed Mills, has not included him in a recent set of endorsements ahead of the Florida primary scheduled for August 18.
