DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Florida’s 7th Congressional District has emerged as one of the state’s nationally watched congressional races as Republican voters decide Tuesday whether to renominate U.S. Rep. Cory Mills for a third term.
National outlets including The Associated Press and Axios highlighted the CD-7 Republican primary in Election Day coverage Tuesday, putting new attention on a contest that has intensified during the closing days of the campaign.
Mills faces Ryan Elijah, Sarah Ulrich and Michael Johnson in the Republican primary.
The Associated Press singled out Mills’ primary in its statewide Election Day coverage, noting that Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said he does not support the incumbent.
“I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills,” DeSantis said during an appearance in the district last week.
Axios also included Florida’s 7th District among the state’s notable congressional contests Tuesday.
Late Poll Shows Elijah Ahead
The national attention comes as a late poll showed Elijah with a substantial advantage over Mills.
A Capital Strategic Partners survey conducted Aug. 14-15 and reported by national media showed Elijah receiving 44% support compared with 27% for Mills.
The poll has since attracted national attention of its own, with the Daily Beast reporting on the results ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
The survey represents a significant change from polling earlier this month that showed Mills leading Elijah while a large percentage of Republican voters remained undecided.
The Florida Pundit previously reported that a Victory Insights survey conducted Aug. 4-6 showed Mills at 28.3% and Elijah at 22%, with approximately 41.5% undecided.
A separate St. Pete Polls survey conducted Aug. 3-4 showed Mills at 29.5%, Elijah at 13.9% and Ulrich at 8.2%, with roughly 41% undecided.
DeSantis Opposition Adds Pressure
Mills has also faced increased political pressure during the final days of the primary.
DeSantis publicly distanced himself from the congressman last week, while Elijah has questioned the strength of President Donald Trump’s support for Mills after the incumbent was absent from a recent series of endorsement posts by the president.
Trump previously endorsed Mills, and Mills has continued to describe himself publicly as Trump’s endorsed candidate in the race. There has been no public announcement from Trump rescinding that endorsement.
Elijah, meanwhile, has accumulated endorsements from several prominent Florida Republicans, including U.S. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos, along with Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
CD-7 Decision Comes Tuesday
Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes Seminole County and southern Volusia County.
The Republican nominee will advance to the Nov. 3 general election in a district that has also attracted attention from national Democrats.
Polls close at 7 p.m. local time Tuesday. Election results are expected to begin reporting shortly afterward.
The Florida Pundit will monitor the CD-7 results as ballots are counted.
Related Coverage
- Ryan Elijah Questions Cory Mills’ Trump Backing as Florida Primary Nears
- Two Central Florida Sheriffs Back Ryan Elijah Against Cory Mills
- Cory Mills Denies Reports of DOJ Investigation as Florida Congressman Seeks Re-Election
- Cory Mills Officially Qualifies for Re-Election in Florida’s 7th Congressional District
