# Cory Mills ethics probe and primary > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cory-mills-ethics-probe-and-primary > Updated: 2026-08-06T06:05:41.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Rep. Cory Mills of Florida’s 7th District, focusing on his finances and alleged misconduct. The probe coincided with a House Ethics Committee inquiry that began in November 2025 and covered campaign‑finance violations, sexual and domestic‑violence allegations, and possible misuse of office resources. Mills faced a restraining order, a resolution calling for his expulsion, and denied any wrongdoing while remaining on the ballot for the August 18 Republican primary. By early August, the primary campaign had become dominated by the scandals. During a GOP debate, challengers accused Mills of “stolen valor” and highlighted the Justice Department investigation, which Mills again dismissed. State Republicans Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed former TV anchor Ryan Elijah, giving the challenger a clear line against Mills. The race shifted from a routine incumbent defense to a contest centered on Mills’ ethical and legal troubles and the question of whether Republican voters would retain him. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-06: Florida GOP Primary Heats Up as Rep. Cory Mills Faces Ethics Probe and Stolen Valor Claims Rep. Cory Mills faces an ethics probe, assault allegations and stolen‑valor claims as Florida GOP candidates, backed by Anna Luna and Mike Haridopolos, rally behind challenger Ryan Elijah ahead of the Aug 18 7‑ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-gop-primary-heats-up-as-rep-cory-mills-faces-ethics-probe-and-stolen-valor-claims ### 2026-07-21: Rep. Cory Mills Under DOJ Criminal Investigation The DOJ has launched a criminal probe into Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican, amid ongoing House Ethics Committee investigations and an expulsion effort by Rep. Nancy Mace. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-cory-mills-fl-faces-justice-department-criminal-investigation --- Cite as: Cory Mills ethics probe and primary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cory-mills-ethics-probe-and-primary