Overview
- Reps. Mike Haridopolos and Anna Paulina Luna announced on Wednesday that they endorse former anchor Ryan Elijah in the August 18 Republican primary against Rep. Cory Mills.
- Mills is under an ongoing House Ethics Committee inquiry and was reported to be the subject of a Justice Department probe into his finances and alleged misconduct, charges he denies and calls a political lie.
- The Cook Political Report downgraded the seat to Likely Republican with an R+5 rating and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added the district to its target list, prompting increased Democratic spending and attention.
- President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Mills while also backing other local figures, a split that underscores mixed signals from national and state GOP leaders.
- If Mills wins the primary while under federal and congressional scrutiny, Republicans risk entering November with a weakened nominee which could tilt a competitive district to Democrats and encourage similar targeting in other GOP races.