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Trump’s MAGA Pick Faces ‘Humiliating Defeat’: Cory Mills Trails Rival by 17 Points in New Poll After DeSantis Snub
Donald Trump’s endorsement has failed to close the gap for Florida Republican Cory Mills, who is reportedly trailing conservative news anchor Ryan Elijah by a wide margin ahead of the GOP primary.
A political setback is looming for Donald Trump in Florida, where his endorsed Republican candidate Cory Mills is reportedly struggling to hold on to his congressional seat.
Mills, a controversial Republican lawmaker representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District, is seeking a third term but faces a difficult primary fight against three other Republicans, including conservative news anchor Ryan Elijah.
A new poll cited by The Daily Beast suggests that Elijah has opened a significant lead over Mills, raising fresh questions about the strength of Trump’s endorsement in a closely watched Republican contest.
Ryan Elijah opens major lead over Cory Mills
According to polling by Capital Strategic Partners, Elijah currently has the backing of 44% of likely Republican primary voters, compared with just 27% for Mills.
That gives Elijah a 17-point advantage over Trump’s preferred candidate.
The numbers become even more striking when voters are presented with information about controversies surrounding Mills.
The poll reportedly asked respondents how they would vote after being told about an ethics investigation involving Mills, an alleged assault-related police report and questions surrounding his business record.
After that information was presented, support for Elijah reportedly increased to 48%, while Mills’ support dropped sharply to 20%.
The findings suggest that the controversies surrounding the incumbent could be playing a major role in the race.
Trump endorsed Mills earlier this year
The polling numbers represent a potential political problem for Donald Trump, who endorsed Mills in February.
Trump had previously praised Mills for what he described as his efforts in Congress to advance conservative priorities, including Second Amendment protections and tougher immigration policies.
Trump also appointed Mills to the Defense Business Board during his first presidential term.
With Trump firmly behind Mills, the Florida primary has taken on added significance. A defeat would not necessarily damage Trump’s influence across the Republican Party, but it would provide his critics with ammunition at a time when the former president continues to play a major role in GOP primary contests.
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DeSantis delivers another blow to Mills
Mills also suffered a significant setback when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declined to support his re-election bid.
DeSantis reportedly made his position clear last Friday when asked about the incumbent Republican.“I have not endorsed Cory Mills and I do not support Cory Mills.”
The refusal is particularly notable because DeSantis remains one of the most prominent Republican figures in Florida and has his own political base within the state.
Mills now finds himself without support from the state’s Republican governor while simultaneously attempting to overcome a substantial polling deficit.
What the numbers mean for Trump
The race is being closely watched because it offers another test of how much Trump’s backing can influence Republican voters.
Trump’s endorsement can be a powerful asset in GOP primaries, particularly when the former president’s preferred candidate enters a crowded field.
But the latest polling indicates that Mills has significant ground to make up.
The gap is also wider after voters are informed about the controversies surrounding the congressman, suggesting that negative perceptions could be more difficult for the Trump-backed candidate to overcome.
At the same time, polls conducted before an election are not guarantees of the final result. Turnout, last-minute campaigning, endorsements and voter motivation can all influence a primary.
For Mills, however, the message from the latest numbers is unmistakable: Trump’s endorsement alone has not translated into a commanding lead.
If Elijah maintains his advantage through Election Day, the result could become an embarrassing defeat for the Trump-backed candidate and a notable reminder that even the most powerful Republican endorsement does not always settle a primary.
