GOP Could Keep House Seat After Trump-Backed Rep Loses

A representative backed by President Donald Trump has lost his reelection bid after being plagued by a long list of scandals, giving Republicans a safer chance at keeping the House seat come November.

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who is facing a House Ethics probe over allegations centered on domestic abuse, stolen valor, and financial misconduct, lost to his primary opponent Ryan Elijah by 12%.

The House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into the two-term incumbent this year over allegations that he physically assaulted his former girlfriend, as well as violated campaign finance laws.

Mills has denied the claims.

In a previous statement to the Daily Signal, Mills said, “Show me where I’ve ever been charged or found guilty of anything.”

He then accused his colleague, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., of introducing a resolution in April to censure him over the allegations as a deflection strategy for her own misconduct.

“We do know for a fact that she’s currently under attack,” Mills stated. “Her ex-fiancé had to file a restraining order for harassment. She’s under actual allegations, accusations, and investigations.”

A possible victory for Mills worried fellow Florida Republicans, who believed the scandal-plagued candidate could have put the seat at risk in November.

As reported by Florida Politics, Elijah received endorsements from Florida figures such as Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos, who feared Democrats would take control of the House seat.

Elijah will now head to the November general election against Democrat Bale Dalton in a district Trump won by 13%.

If Elijah wins, Florida could send yet another new Republican to the 120th Congress and help maintain the slim Republican majority in Washington.

On Wednesday, Elijah received the president’s endorsement for the general election in a Truth Social post.

“Ryan stands for EVERYTHING MAGA, and is respected by ALL! He has my complete and total endorsement,” the president wrote.

In the same post, the president appeared to walk back his endorsement of Mills and added that he had recently advised Mills to drop out of the race, which Mills refused to do.

“He thought he could win, so who can blame him?” Trump continued.