Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) is reportedly facing a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation, according to multiple news reports citing sources familiar with the matter. The precise scope of the DOJ probe remains undisclosed, though initial reports suggest that at least a portion of the investigation pertains to Mills’ financial activities. This development occurs while Mills is already subject to a separate and ongoing review by the House Ethics Committee, which established an investigative subcommittee in November to examine various allegations against the congressman.
"While Congressman Mills deserves his due process, it was time for me to step up and say the negative headlines surrounding the district must stop. Volusia and Seminole County residents deserve better." — Ryan Elijah, Republican Challenger
Mills, who represents Florida’s 7th Congressional District, has publicly refuted the existence of a DOJ investigation, characterizing claims based on anonymous sources as "fake news." He has criticized media outlets for reporting on an investigation that has not been officially confirmed by the Department of Justice. In a statement to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Mills indicated he was "not concerned about losing POTUS endorsement" and reiterated his stance that reports without DOJ confirmation were spreading "fake news."
The House Ethics Committee's review encompasses a broad range of allegations, including potential campaign finance violations, sexual misconduct, and dating violence. One specific allegation under examination by the committee reportedly stems from a February 2025 incident in which police responded to a domestic abuse report, as detailed by Trending Politics. Furthermore, the committee is reviewing claims from a former romantic partner who alleged that Mills threatened to release explicit images following the conclusion of their relationship, an accusation that led to a judge issuing a restraining order against him. Mills has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the claims misrepresent his interactions.
Beyond personal conduct, the Ethics Committee is also scrutinizing allegations that Mills may have violated campaign finance laws, failed to properly report certain financial information, improperly accepted gifts connected to travel, misused congressional resources, and potentially received special favors by virtue of his congressional position. These inquiries follow an earlier report from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), which had raised concerns regarding Mills’ financial disclosures and campaign activities. The OCE report also questioned Mills’ business interests, particularly whether his involvement in government contracting activities created potential conflicts of interest during his tenure in Congress, especially given his positions on national security-focused committees. The report further examined his company's government-related work while he held congressional roles pertinent to national security.
Mills was first elected to Congress in 2022 and secured reelection in 2024. He currently holds seats on two influential congressional panels: the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As he seeks a third term, Mills faces several Republican challengers in the upcoming primary election. The congressman has previously encountered allegations concerning his military background, business dealings, and personal conduct.
The emergence of the reported DOJ investigation, coupled with the ongoing Ethics Committee review, comes as Mills actively campaigns for reelection. One of his Republican challengers, Ryan Elijah, has publicly called for Mills to withdraw from the race. Elijah stated, "While Congressman Mills deserves his due process, it was time for me to step up and say the negative headlines surrounding the district must stop. Volusia and Seminole County residents deserve better."
As of the latest reports, no criminal charges have been filed against Representative Mills, and specific details regarding the federal probe remain limited. The Department of Justice has not issued any public statements confirming or denying the existence of an investigation.
