Incumbent U.S. Rep. Cory Mills lost the Republican primary in Florida's 7th Congressional District on August 18, 2026, according to The Associated Press. Mills, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, was defeated by a challenger in a race that highlighted his ethical troubles and fundraising difficulties.
The House Ethics Committee has been investigating multiple allegations against Mills, including claims of illegal campaign contributions and misuse of official resources. These investigations hampered his ability to raise money for his reelection bid, putting him at a financial disadvantage compared to his opponent.
Mills, a first-term congressman and Army veteran, had aligned himself closely with Trump's agenda. However, his campaign struggled to overcome the negative attention from the ethics probes, which became a central issue in the primary. The final vote tally showed a decisive win for his challenger, though the exact margin was not immediately available.
The defeat marks a significant political shift in the district, which is considered competitive. The Democratic nominee will now face the Republican challenger in the November general election, with control of the seat up for grabs.
