DAYTONA BEACH − During an Aug. 14 news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis took two questions from reporters.
On one, he spoke for about 12 minutes regarding recent changes to the Amendment 3 ballot question related to property-tax exemptions. On the other, about Republican Congressman Cory Mills’ bid for reelection amid myriad allegations and investigations, DeSantis offered just 13 words.
“I have not endorsed Cory Mills,” DeSantis said, “and I do not support Cory Mills.”
That set into motion a new cycle of posts on X and other social-media sites. Mills and the opponent who appears to pose his greatest threat in the 7th District race, Ryan Elijah, joined in the dissection of DeSantis’ words.
Elijah, a former television news host from Sanford, posted a clip of DeSantis’ comments, drawing this comment from Mills: “He’s also not endorsed you or said he supports you. I endorsed the President over the governor in 2024. He’s Florida’s best governor and always respect him.”
Mills is also being challenged by businesswoman Sarah Ulrich of Port Orange and retired Department of Defense executive Michael Johnson of Altamonte Springs.
Also on Aug. 14, Ulrich posted on X a meme crossing off a line on an ad proclaiming Mills has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, and scribbling in, “Not Anymore.”
Trump endorsed Mills in February. Earlier this week, Trump reposted a series of endorsements in congressional races earlier this week, including one for Congressman Randy Fine in the 6th District. But Trump did not re-boost Mills.
In response to Ulrich’s post, Mills responded: “Sarah can you show where President Trump pulled his endorsement? Please provide receipt bc I have not been told this.”
Ron DeSantis was asked about Cory Mills. Here's how he responded – Daytona Beach News-Journal
