Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), who faces an active House Ethics Committee investigation, lost his bid for a third term in Florida’s 7th Congressional District Tuesday. Mills was defeated by former Orlando-area news anchor and one-time NFL sideline reporter Ryan Elijah.

The defeat followed criticism of Mills’ decision to cast the deciding vote against removing Ilhan Omar from her committees after her comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder. A local Republican, Ms. Luna, joined Mr. Haridopolos in urging Mills to step aside, stating: “We need leaders in Congress who serve with integrity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the people who sent them there.”

Mills’ campaign struggled amid allegations of misconduct. A former girlfriend obtained a protective order against him last year after accusing him of threatening her with revenge porn following their breakup. Police in Washington, D.C., investigated Mills in 2023 after an assault report was filed, though no charges were pursued. Mills has denied wrongdoing.

Florida’s Seventh Congressional District leans Republican, and Mills had campaigned heavily on President Trump’s endorsement. The district saw Trump win by 12 percentage points in the 2024 election. Democrats have targeted the seat due to Mills’ personal turmoil and fundraising challenges for his campaign.

Mr. Elijah emphasized that local sheriffs and community leaders supported his candidacy, citing Mills’ allegations as a key factor in his decision to run. “I am humbled by the trust we received from Central Florida,” Elijah said. “The people had their voices heard because we took the time to listen.” He added, “The courage so many leaders showed in supporting me against an incumbent made a tremendous difference.”

Mills is the latest House Republican to exit re-election after ethics scandals. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) recently dropped his bid following an Ethics Committee report accusing him of harassing two young female staffers.