Representative Cory Mills, a Republican from Florida, has denied reports of a criminal investigation by the Justice Department, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated and intended to harm his reelection campaign ahead of the state's Republican primary. Mills stated, "If you also read the rest of the reports, it never says that the DOJ or the FBI has ever said there's an investigation," emphasizing that the claims are based on unnamed sources. A source reportedly informed Fox News that the DOJ is investigating Mills, although the specific nature of the investigation remains unclear. ABC News later indicated that the inquiry may be related to Mills' finances.
Mills further claimed that neither the DOJ nor the FBI has contacted him regarding any investigation. He stated, "I have no indication... No one's ever reached out to us. And the DOJ, FBI themselves have never even confirmed such an investigation exists." He suggested that the timing of the allegations points to an attempt by his political opponents in the upcoming race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District seat to damage his reputation.
Mills is facing three challengers in the Republican primary: Ryan Elijah, Michael Johnson, and Sarah Ulrich, with Elijah being his main competitor. The DOJ investigation coincides with a separate inquiry by the House Ethics Committee into Mills for allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. Mills has faced accusations of domestic abuse and blackmail, which he has denied. The House Ethics investigation began in November 2025, with no specified end date. Mills, who was first elected to the House in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, is seeking a third term, with the Florida primary scheduled for August 18.