SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) — Inside Elections has revised its rating for Florida’s 7th Congressional District from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican,” signaling a notable shift toward Democrats as Navy veteran and former NASA Chief of Staff Bale Dalton builds momentum in his challenge against Republican Rep. Cory Mills.

The nonpartisan election analyst cited a series of controversies surrounding Mills, including past allegations of assault, a court-issued restraining order, and an ongoing ethics investigation involving potential financial conflicts tied to government arms contracts. Inside Elections noted that “Mills’ baggage makes this one to watch.”

Dalton said the rating change reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters in Central Florida. “Today’s news proves what we see on the ground every day: voters are fed up with politicians like Cory Mills,” Dalton said. “Families in Central Florida want lower costs, safer neighborhoods, opportunities to thrive, and a representative who works for them — not himself.”

Dalton pointed to his 23 years of military service as preparation for what he calls a leadership approach rooted in putting “mission over ego and people over politics.” He added, “That’s the kind of leadership Florida needs, and that’s why I am ready to beat Cory Mills next November.”

CASSELBERRY, Fla. (FNN) — Noah Widmann, the Democratic candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, said Wednesday that momentum is building for his campaign as Inside Elections shifted the district’s rating from “Strong Republican” to “Likely Republican.”

Widmann said the change reflects growing Democratic enthusiasm and his campaign’s expanding outreach. “Our work is making a real impact, but we can’t take our foot off the gas now,” Widmann said. “Every week, we’ll keep showing up for our community, keep holding Republicans accountable, and keep working to beat Mills.”

Widmann is the only congressional Democratic challenger in the nation to outraise an incumbent opponent for two consecutive quarters, reporting more than $500,000 raised across Q1 and Q2. His campaign has also secured endorsements from a majority of Democratic elected officials in Seminole County, including Oviedo Deputy Mayor Natalie Teuchert, Casselberry Commissioner Thomas Kirk, Sanford Commissioner Claudia Thomas, and Winter Springs Commissioner Sarah Baker.

Additional supporters include Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alexander Vindman, civil rights leader LaVon Bracy, and former Congresswoman and Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30 for a 1 p.m. ET matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, presented by GEICO. The Week 13 game will serve as the team’s Ring of Honor celebration, honoring former defensive end Simeon Rice as the 16th inductee during a halftime ceremony.

Simeon Rice to Be Inducted Into Ring of Honor

Rice, one of the most dominant defenders in Buccaneers history and a key member of the Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, will be honored throughout the game. He will lead the team through the pregame Hallway Walk, and former head coach Jon Gruden will present Rice with his Ring of Honor jacket during halftime. The ceremony will be hosted by Gene Deckerhoff and include members of the Glazer family, Rice family, and fellow Ring of Honor inductees.

The team will also release a Mitchell & Ness Simeon Rice throwback jersey, available at the Buccaneers Team Store.

My Cause My Cleats Spotlight

Nearly 60 Buccaneers players, coaches, and staff will participate in the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which highlights charitable causes selected by each participant. More than 40 organizations will be represented by customized footwear created in partnership with Stadium Custom Kicks. Now in its tenth year, the league-wide initiative features more than 1,800 participants over a two-week span.

Glazer Family Small Business Fund and Tampa Bay Chef Series

On Sunday, the Buccaneers will continue recognizing recipients of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund. This week’s spotlight features Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, the only grocery and convenience store on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Following recent storm damage, Seymour and his team supported residents and local law enforcement with donated supplies. Funding from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund helped maintain payroll and inventory during recovery. The program has awarded more than $1.2 million across nearly 300 small businesses in partnership with eight regional chambers of commerce.

As part of the Tampa Bay Chef Series presented by Corona, Week 13 will feature Chef Suz Lara of LARA. Known for her bold, Latin-inspired cuisine, she will prepare a Picadillo Tartar—raw beef tartare mixed with sofrito, smoked olives, capers, and golden raisin mostarda, served on a Cuban bread crostini. The dish will be available in the Hyundai Club (Section 212), Stadium Club (Section 237), and main concourse (Section 108).

______________________________________________________________________________________

News@FloridaNationalNews.com