Republican candidate Ryan Elijah announced Saturday that he has secured the seat in Florida’s 7th congressional district, despite the Associated Press not yet issuing an official call. In a statement posted to social media before noon, Elijah said he received word from the Florida Department of State that a recount will not be necessary.

Vote totals and recount threshold

According to the Florida Division of Elections, the unofficial tally shows Elijah with 161,300 votes (49.71%) and Democratic challenger Bale Dalton with 159,669 votes (49.21%). Libertarian Party candidate Christopher Dennison received 3,485 votes (1.07%). Florida law requires a margin of 0.5% or less to trigger a machine recount, and state officials indicated the remaining overseas ballots will not mathematically change the outcome.

Elijah’s remarks and community gratitude

Elijah expressed gratitude to “the faith the people of Central Florida have placed in me,” thanking God, his wife, family and supporters. He pledged to work diligently for his constituents and said he looks forward to heading to Washington for orientation later in the week.

Trump endorsement and local significance

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Elijah after incumbent Congressman Cory Mills fell short in the GOP primary by 13 points. The endorsement underscores the Trump administration’s continued support for candidates who champion traditional values and strong family foundations in Central Florida.

District profile

Florida’s 7th district encompasses all of Seminole County and portions of southern Volusia County, an area that has seen rapid growth and a mix of suburban and rural communities. The close race reflects the competitive nature of the district, which has become a bellwether for broader statewide trends.

Looking ahead

While the Associated Press has not yet called the race, state officials’ confirmation that no recount will be conducted effectively solidifies Elijah’s claim to victory. The upcoming congressional term will see Elijah joining a Republican caucus that is working closely with the Trump administration on issues ranging from economic growth to protecting religious liberty.

Local voters can expect Elijah to focus on policies that support families, uphold constitutional freedoms, and promote a pro‑business environment that aligns with the values of Central Florida’s communities.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.