Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will not back Rep. Cory Mills in next week’s Republican primary, joining a growing list of state GOP figures distancing themselves from the incumbent.
During a stop at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, DeSantis gave a blunt response when asked about the race: “I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills.”
DeSantis, who has mostly stayed out of Tuesday’s primary contests, did not explain his reasoning or endorse any of the three Republicans running against Mills, including former local news anchor Ryan Elijah.
Earlier this month, Republican Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos took the unusual step of endorsing Elijah over their fellow lawmaker.
The remarks follow Donald Trump’s recent social media posts backing Florida Republicans, where Mills was the only incumbent candidate left off the list despite receiving Trump’s initial support in February.
Mills is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and faces a restraining order from a former girlfriend over allegations of threats to release sexually explicit videos. He has denied all wrongdoing.
READ: Florida GOP Targets David Jolly Over Transgender Youth Sports In New Ad Campaign
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
