Nicolai Haugsted
Major setback for Trump as voters sour on candidate he endorsed three times.
Donald Trump’s endorsement has traditionally carried considerable weight in Republican primaries, but one of his chosen candidates in Florida is facing a substantial deficit as voters prepare to make their decision.
Republican Representative Cory Mills is seeking a third term in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Fresh polling, however, puts conservative news anchor Ryan Elijah comfortably ahead of the incumbent despite Trump’s emphatic backing.
Mills has also entered the closing stretch of the campaign while facing an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation. He denies the allegations against him.
Polling from Capital Strategic Partners found Elijah with support from 44 percent of likely Republican primary voters, compared with 27 percent for Mills.
Three other Republicans, including Mills and Elijah, are competing for the nomination.
Results became considerably worse for the incumbent when respondents were given information about controversies surrounding him.
Pollsters told participants about a congressional ethics investigation, a police report containing an assault allegation and questions concerning Mills’ business record before asking voters to choose between the two leading candidates.
Elijah’s support subsequently increased to 48 percent, while Mills dropped to 20 percent.
Mills is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. He has denied the accusations against him.
Trump gave Mills his full backing
Poll numbers present a test of Trump’s political influence after the president personally endorsed Mills in February.
Trump portrayed the congressman, an Army combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, as a reliable supporter of his America First agenda.
“Congressman Cory Mills is an America First Patriot and Tremendous Champion for the Great People of Florida’s 7th Congressional District!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Mills has aligned himself with several priorities associated with Trump’s political movement, including gun rights, military issues and a restrictive approach to immigration.
Trump’s relationship with Mills stretches back beyond his congressional career. During his first administration, Trump appointed him to the Defense Business Board.
The president left little ambiguity about his preference in the primary, declaring: “Cory Mills has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Mills leans heavily on presidential support
Mills has continued highlighting that relationship during the campaign despite the controversies surrounding his candidacy.
Speaking during an August 5 debate, the congressman presented Trump’s repeated backing as a central argument for Republican voters to keep him in office.
“I’m the only person who sits on this stage today who has been endorsed three times by President Donald J. Trump,” Mills said.
Political pressure surrounding the congressman has nevertheless extended beyond his Democratic opponents. Several lawmakers, including Republicans, have called for his removal from Congress amid the allegations.
Elijah has also made the controversies a prominent feature of his challenge. During the August debate, he displayed an expired restraining order against Mills.
Mills continues to reject the accusations, while the new polling indicates Trump’s endorsement has so far failed to erase the substantial advantage held by his Republican challenger.
