President Donald Trump omitted U.S. Rep. Cory Mills from a fresh round of Florida endorsements on Wednesday as the incumbent faces federal and congressional investigations, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated on August 14 that he does not support Mills ahead of the primary elections.
President Donald Trump released a series of endorsements reaffirming support for 15 Florida Republican members of the U.S. House seeking reelection, alongside an open-seat endorsement for Sydney Gruters in the 16th Congressional District. The announcements arrived as Florida Republicans prepared for the August 18 primary, highlighting established incumbents across the state with familiar America First policy praises.
Yet the notable absence from the roster was Rep. Cory Mills, who represents the 7th Congressional District across southern Volusia and Seminole counties. Mills previously secured Trump’s complete endorsement but was left out of the latest reaffirmations amid active federal and congressional scrutiny.
Federal Probes and Ethics Inquiries Facing Rep. Cory Mills
The omission follows mounting legal and political pressures for the congressman. Mills is the target of an active Department of Justice criminal investigation, according to a source who confirmed reporting to Florida’s Voice in July. No formal criminal charges have been filed against Mills, and investigators have not publicly detailed the specific focus of the probe.
Alongside the Department of Justice inquiry, Mills faces an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation that was initiated in November 2025. That congressional panel is examining a range of allegations against the lawmaker, including potential campaign finance violations, sexual misconduct, and dating violence.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Distances Himself During Daytona Beach Visit
The political fallout extended to the state level on August 14, when Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. DeSantis, who previously represented Volusia and Flagler counties in the U.S. House, addressed the congressman’s standing at the conclusion of a press conference focused on regional infrastructure and transportation technology.
DeSantis delivered that blunt assessment when pressed by reporters about the embattled incumbent, marking a stark public separation as Volusia County voters evaluate the primary field.
Infrastructure Investments and Advanced Air Mobility in Daytona Beach
Before addressing local political questions, DeSantis used his appearance at the university to announce the acceleration of a $56 million corridor improvement project along Clyde Morris Boulevard. The initiative will resurface 3 miles of roadway from Mason Avenue south past Halifax Health, across International Speedway Boulevard, and past Mainland High School and Embry-Riddle to Beville Road.
The project calls for raised medians, upgraded traffic signals, enhanced lighting and drainage, a pedestrian tunnel near the university entrance, and a 14-foot-wide multi-use path on the western side of the boulevard. State leaders also highlighted technological horizons beyond traditional asphalt.
DeSantis pointed to upcoming trials for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, telling reporters that Florida anticipates active testing by the end of 2026. State Sen. Tom Wright, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, told a Volusia County School Board meeting earlier in the week that lawmakers have already passed legislation signed by the governor to permit vertical-lift aircraft operations connecting state airports and cutting travel times along Interstate 4.
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