NEW SMYRNA BEACH — As Congressman Cory Mills prepped for what’s being billed as an “epic” debate ahead of the Aug. 18 Republican primary, two of his fellow Florida GOP delegation members endorsed one of his challengers.
U.S. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos pledged their support to Ryan Elijah, the former Fox 35 anchor who has outraised Mills in the months since his entry into the race.
“We are proud to stand with (Elijah) in his campaign to represent the hardworking families of Florida’s 7th Congressional District,” Luna and Haridopolos said in a joint statement on X. “Ryan has spent years as a trusted voice in our community, listening to neighbors, amplifying local concerns, and building relationships rooted in service.”
The post called Elijah a “true patriot,” and “freedom fighter” who raised his family in the district.
“We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there,” the post states. “Ryan Elijah is that leader.”
The post builds on a wave of endorsements, including that of Sheriffs Mike Chitwood and Dennis Lemma of Volusia and Seminole counties, for Elijah.
However, despite a series of controversies including an ongoing congressional ethics investigation and reported Department of Justice probe, Mills is trumpeting his endorsement by President Donald Trump.
Mills has also been backed by a host of state and local officials, including state Reps. Chase Tramont and Webster Barnaby, Volusia County Councilmen Danny Robins, Jake Johansson, and Matt Reinhart, and Mayors Scott Stiltner of Port Orange, Diezel Depew of Edgewater, Nancy Miller of Daytona Beach Shores, Lois Paritsky of Ponce Inlet, and Ricky Taylor of Oak Hill.
When and where is the debate?
The debate hosted by the Volusia County Republican Party, starts at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, and is at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach, where Mills maintains a residence. Javier Manjarres of The Floridian will host the debate.
Who else is running in Florida’s 7th District?
Mills and Elijah, of Sanford, will be joined by Sarah Ulrich of Port Orange and Michael Johnson of Altamonte Springs. Ulrich and Johnson participated in a June debate at the Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County in Daytona Beach along with Democratic challenger Marialana Kinter. Two other Democrats are running: Bale Dalton and Alan Grayson.
Florida’s 7th District covers Seminole and southern Volusia counties.
Look to The News-Journal for continuing coverage of the debate and the race this week and in coming days.
− Mark Harper covers politics, government, and education for The News-Journal, with a focus on Florida, mostly in Volusia County. He can be reached at mark.harper@news-jrnl.com
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: As Mills heads to debate, 2 Florida Congress members endorse Elijah
Reporting by Mark Harper, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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By Mark Harper, Daytona Beach News-Journal | USA TODAY Network
