Florida GOP Reps Back Challenger Against Colleague Mills

WASHINGTON — Florida Republican Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos on Wednesday endorsed Ryan Elijah, who is mounting a primary challenge against fellow Republican Representative Cory Mills in the state's 7th Congressional District.

Endorsements from sitting members of Congress against a colleague are rare. Luna, who represents Florida's 10th District, and Haridopolos, who represents the 8th District, give Elijah's campaign added credibility and access to fundraising networks within the Florida delegation.

Mills, a first-term congressman, now faces opposition from within his own party. The public break by two colleagues can force an incumbent to divert resources from a general election toward defending his primary flank.

The primary will determine whether Mills secures another term or Elijah prevails. The winner will face a Democratic candidate for the House seat representing parts of Volusia and Seminole counties.