House Republicans are experiencing internal divisions as several members face misconduct allegations that could impact the party's ability to retain control of Congress. The infighting has become apparent on the midterm campaign trail, with instances of Republican lawmakers endorsing primary challengers against incumbent colleagues.
In Florida's 7th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., is facing a primary challenge supported by fellow Republicans Reps. Mike Haridopolos and Anna Paulina Luna. They have endorsed Mills' primary opponent, Ryan Elijah, a former sports reporter. "Ryan Elijah is an excellent candidate and will ensure victory for us in Florida 7," Haridopolos stated.
Mills is reportedly under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice (DOJ), though he has denied any wrongdoing. He has characterized reports of a DOJ investigation as a "desperate lie" from his opponents and stated on X, "We are not aware of any DOJ investigation, nor has there been any confirmation of such investigation by DOJ or FBI, and would fully cooperate if there was one."
Despite the allegations and the primary challenge, President Donald Trump has endorsed Mills, as well as Haridopolos and Luna for their own re-elections. Some Florida Republicans have expressed concern about the party's chances of holding Mills' seat if he wins the primary, especially as the Cook Political Report has downgraded its projection for Republicans in that district from "Solid R" to "Likely R."
Mills' situation is one of several examples of misconduct allegations affecting House Republicans. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., recently withdrew from his re-election campaign following a report detailing accusations of sexual harassment by former staffers, which Edwards has denied but admitted to making staff feel uncomfortable. Additionally, Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, is facing accusations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife and pressure from within the party to withdraw from his race. Miller has denied the allegations and requested a House Ethics Committee investigation.
The seats held by Mills, Edwards, and Miller are reportedly on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's target list, indicating that Democrats are focusing resources on these races. One House Republican, speaking anonymously, suggested that all three lawmakers facing such allegations should withdraw from their campaigns to "lead by example."