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House GOP divisions are erupting on the midterm campaign trail as Republicans fight an uphill battle to keep control of Congress for the latter half of President Donald Trump’s term.
The infighting touched down in Florida on Wednesday, where two House Republicans are endorsing a primary opponent to incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who is facing multiple investigations into his finances and allegations of domestic abuse, among other claims. Mills has denied any wrongdoing.
Reps. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., announced they’re backing former local TV anchor Ryan Elijah for Mills’ seat and said they “urge our fellow Republicans to join us in supporting him.”
“Ryan Elijah is an excellent candidate and will ensure victory for us in Florida 7,” Haridopolos told Fox News Digital. The Florida congressman will be in attendance at Mills’ debate against Elijah on Wednesday night and plans to sit next to the candidate’s wife.
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Notably, President Donald Trump has endorsed Haridopolos, Luna and Mills for re-election — a fact Mills brought up in his response to Fox News Digital.
“I’m the only candidate in this race endorsed by President Donald Trump. Not once, not twice, but three times. I’m proud to have earned his trust because he knows I’ll continue fighting to advance the America First agenda and deliver results,” Mills said. “The fact is, my office has returned more than $107 million to the people of Florida’s 7th District, led Florida in constituent services, built one of the strongest conservative voting records in Congress, and flipped this district from blue to red,and kept it red. My record speaks for itself.”
It comes after another GOP source told Fox News Digital that some Florida Republicans were worried about the chances of keeping Mills’ seat if he won the primary on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report downgraded its projection for Republicans from “Solid R” to “Likely R” earlier this year. And with a Cook rating of R+5, Democrats could be within striking distance if Republicans see a tough enough cycle in November.
Mills is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to a source, though he has consistently insisted that he has not done anything wrong.
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The Republican military veteran dismissed reports of a DOJ investigation as a “desperate lie” by his opponents and said on X late last month, “We are not aware of any DOJ investigation, nor has there been any confirmation of such investigation by DOJ or FBI, and would fully cooperate if there was one.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Mills for a response to Haridopolos and Luna’s endorsement.
Mills is one of several House Republicans whose allegations of misconduct are posing a headache for the GOP on the campaign trail.
Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., announced overnight that he would drop his re-election bid after an explosive report detailed sexual harassment accusations by two young female staffers. Edwards has denied those accusations but has admitted to at times making staff feel uncomfortable.
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And Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife and former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and is facing pressure from congressional Republicans to drop out of his race as well. One House GOP source called the situation a “f—ing trainwreck” in comments to Fox News Digital.
Miller has denied any wrongdoing and asked the House Ethics Committee to initiate an investigation in order to clear his name. The former Trump aide has resisted calls to exit the race, insisting he will win in November and that the public accusations from his ex-wife are a bid to derail his political career.
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All three House seats are on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) target list, meaning Democrats are pouring money and resources into those races.
One House Republican, who was granted anonymity to speak freely, told Fox News Digital that all three should drop out of their races, stating, “We must lead by example.”
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