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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gubernatorial candidate and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, citing what he describes as serious breaches of ethics and public trust.

Renner emphasized that strong governance requires integrity, stating, “America needs leaders focused on service, not self-interest. When elected officials use their office for personal gain, they damage the credibility of the institution and betray the public they were elected to serve.”

ETHICS PROBE INVOLVING REP. CORY MILLS
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, over accusations that he profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress. The committee has also expanded its review to examine allegations that Mills assaulted one former girlfriend and threatened to distribute intimate photos of another.

FEDERAL FRAUD CASE AGAINST CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK
Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, are accused of diverting federal funds intended for COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Prosecutors allege that excess funds were routed through multiple accounts and later used as political contributions. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 53 years in prison. Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence.

RENNER’S CALL FOR RESIGNATION
Renner argued that both lawmakers have demonstrated “a pattern of self-interest and low moral character,” adding, “They should do the right thing and resign immediately. If they refuse, Congress must expel them without delay.”

He concluded by asserting that the Republican Party must model higher standards of integrity: “Democrats will excuse anything to gain power and have lost credibility with the American people. Republicans must hold themselves to a stronger standard to restore public faith in government.”

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