Republican candidates hoping to represent Florida’s 7th Congressional District squared off in a debate over ethics allegations, endorsements, and the future of the GOP seat. The debate, hosted by The Floridian at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach, brought together incumbent U.S. Rep. Cory Mills and challengers Ryan Elijah, Michael Don Johnson, and Sarah Ulrich.
Debate Highlights
One of the night’s most heated topics centered on reports of a Department of Justice investigation involving Mills’ finances. Mills denied any such investigation exists, saying ‘it’s interesting that these anonymous sources that don’t know what the investigation is about somehow know there’s an investigation four weeks before a primary.’ Johnson criticized President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mills, saying he believes it was a mistake.
Elijah highlighted a series of recent endorsements from local and state Republican leaders, including Florida representatives Mike Haridopolos and Anna Paulina Luna. Ulrich said she wants members of Congress to focus on representing constituents rather than the infighting she witnessed during the event.
The winner of the Aug. 18 Republican primary will advance to the November general election, where they will face the Democratic opponent.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
