Rep Cory Mills draws first Republican challenger as sexual misconduct allegations, expulsion threat mount

By Fox News · Fox News

FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., a scandal-plagued lawmaker facing bipartisan calls to resign, drew a GOP challenger Tuesday who threatens to scramble his re-election bid. Ryan Elijah, a veteran former news anchor for FOX 35 Orlando, is launching a bid for Mills’ central Florida House seat, vowing to defeat the embattled incumbent in the Sunshine State’s August primary. Elijah told Fox News Digital that Republican voters should have an alternative to Mills, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations, among other improprieties. "People in the Seventh District want another choice," Elijah said in an interview. RESIGNATION IS THE NEW ESCAPE HATCH AS LAWMAKERS FACE EXPULSION Elijah called the allegations against Mills "serious" and said the House Ethics Committee should continue its investigation into the incumbent’s alleged misconduct. The panel announced last week that its only active investigation related to "sexual misconduct and/or dating violence" is the Mills probe. The committee has not indicated when it plans to wrap up its investigation into Mills, which began in November. Mills allegedly threatened to release nude images and videos of an ex-girlfriend after their relationship ended, leading a judge to bar him from contacting that individual. He was also involved in an alleged domestic violence incident that drew a police response in Washington, D.C., last year. The incumbent has denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. "I've never been indicted for anything," Mills told Fox News last week. "Everything has just been an accusation, allegation." HOUSE REPUBLICAN TO MOVE TO CENSURE DEM ACCUSED OF STEALING DISASTER RELIEF MONEY FOR CAMPAIGN Elijah, a 20-year Florida resident, said he decided to challenge Mills after receiving "overwhelming support" from community leaders in the district to jump into the race. He also characterized Mills as a weak general election candidate, who could put the GOP in dange…