Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills for re-election, telling reporters directly, "I do not support Cory Mills." Mills—who is backed by Donald Trump—is facing a crowded GOP primary on Aug. 18 and a range of allegations, including domestic violence claims, stolen valor accusations, and questions about his finances. A House Ethics Committee inquiry is ongoing, and several prominent Florida Republicans have shifted support to Mills’ chief challenger, Ryan Elijah. DeSantis’ statement marks a notable break with some national party leaders and increases pressure on Mills ahead of the primary.
DeSantis Publicly Disavows Cory Mills: “I Do Not Support Cory Mills” Ahead Of GOP Primary
Ron DeSantis Publicly Disavows Embattled GOP Rep: ‘I Do Not Support Cory Mills’
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) told reporters on Friday that he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) in the congressman’s upcoming re-election bid, saying plainly, "I do not support Cory Mills." The remark came during a speech at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach after an inaudible question from an unnamed reporter.
Mills, who has an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, is facing a crowded Republican primary on Aug. 18 and a string of controversies: allegations of domestic violence and harassment, accusations of stolen valor by fellow veterans, questions about his business dealings and financial disclosures, and an inquiry by the House Ethics Committee. Mills has denied wrongdoing.
Several prominent Republicans in Florida have withheld or withdrawn support. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) have endorsed former television journalist Ryan Elijah, Mills’ leading primary challenger. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) has publicly criticized Mills in response to allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Lindsey Langston. Separately, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution in November 2025 seeking to censure Mills.
"So this is a question about the 7th congressional district Republican primary," DeSantis said. "I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills."
After a pause, DeSantis added, "Okay. God bless everybody. Great to see you. Take care," and left the podium. His statement represents a public departure from leaders who have been more protective of Mills: Trump has endorsed the congressman, while House Speaker Mike Johnson earlier cautioned that allegations are subject to the House Ethics Committee process.
Political Implications
DeSantis’s refusal to back Mills heightens scrutiny on the congressman as he heads into a competitive primary. The split underscores tensions within the Republican Party between leaders who emphasize party unity and those who are distancing themselves because of ethical and personal controversy. How much DeSantis’s comments will influence Republican voters in Florida’s 7th District remains to be seen, but the governor’s stance adds momentum to Mills’ critics and may boost his challengers.
Context: The House Ethics Committee continues to review the allegations, and Mills maintains his innocence while navigating legal, ethical, and political pressure ahead of the primary.
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