Florida voters saw a surprise shift in their congressional race on Tuesday when former news anchor Ryan Elijah defeated incumbent Rep. Cory Mills in the Republican primary. The outcome prompted former President Donald Trump to publicly claim he had urged Mills to withdraw from the contest.
Trump’s post‑race statement
In a Truth Social update, Trump wrote, “I told Congressman Cory Mills of Florida, a friend of mine, to get out of the race, but he wouldn’t listen. He thought he could win, so who can blame him?” The former president added that he now fully backs Elijah, describing the new nominee as “great” and saying he stands for “everything MAGA.”
Background on the primary
Trump endorsed Mills in February and never formally rescinded that endorsement, even as the congressman faced scrutiny over assault allegations and an accusation from an ex‑girlfriend that he threatened to release sexually explicit images and videos. Mills denied any wrongdoing. Earlier this month, Trump posted a list of Florida Republicans he endorsed, and Mills was notably absent from that list.
Elijah, a former television news anchor, secured the Republican nomination after winning the primary on Tuesday night. Trump’s latest post praised Elijah’s alignment with the former president’s agenda and offered a “complete and total endorsement.”
Implications for the general election
With the primary decided, Elijah will face the Democratic nominee in the November general election. The race is expected to draw national attention because of the high‑profile endorsements and the lingering controversy surrounding Mills.
Local party officials indicated that Elijah’s victory could energize the base, especially given Trump’s explicit support. However, some Republican strategists warned that the allegations against Mills might still affect voter perceptions of the party’s slate in the district.
What voters should watch
Florida’s 2026 congressional races are shaping up to be closely watched contests. Voters in the district should monitor campaign filings, upcoming debates, and any further statements from the Trump campaign, as these could influence the final outcome in November.
Both campaigns have pledged to continue outreach across the district, emphasizing issues such as border security, economic growth, and support for traditional families. As the primary season moves forward, the focus will shift from internal party battles to the broader contest for the House seat.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
