Backroom maneuver ends Mills’ bid in Florida’s 7th District

A behind-the-scenes effort by freshman Rep. Mike Haridopolos recruited Ryan Elijah to challenge Rep. Cory Mills amid ethics and conduct questions and investigations; Elijah defeated Mills by 13 points, helping GOP leaders avoid defending an incumbent with baggage and preserving an already favorable R+5 seat. Elijah will face Bale Dalton in November, with Haridopolos saying his goal was to focus on Elijah and the party’s majority rather than Mills.