Amid the run-up for Florida’s 7th Congressional District’s (FL CD 7) Republican Primary Election, congressional candidate and former Orlando news anchor Ryan Elijah spoke with The Floridian to address voter concerns, driving home the major topics that he strives to tackle once elected.
“People have told me that we need to do ‘voice of leadership,’ and that’s the one thing I’ve stepped up for,” Elijah said.
“I’ve lived in this district, I’ve gained that trust, and I think we can do the right things if we move the right way together,” the former WOFL FOX 35 “Orlando Matters” host affirmed.
The Emmy-winning news anchor has resided in Florida for two decades, living in the district for 14 of those 20 years, serving as the co-anchor in “Good Day Orlando” and “Orlando Matters” from 2012 up until Apr. 2026, before resigning to focus on his campaign run.
Elijah Is Focusing On Voters' Top Priorities: Affordability and Healthcare
When asked about the top issues brought by constituents, Elijah asserts that affordability and healthcare are top priorities.
“Affordability is huge. I don’t think any candidate can run right now without working on affordability, and there are a lot of ways to look at that,” Elijah affirmed.
“You know, some areas you go to, it’s not so big a deal, but everybody has a sense, whether it’s their business or their groceries, that’s affecting them. And I think we've got to look at whatever we can do to get those numbers down,” Elijah added.
“I think we do hear immigration. We hear some state issues, people talk about property taxes, but we don’t talk about that as much. Even in healthcare. I’m a big believer in small government, transparency, letting competition happen, and people understanding that it’s not a quick change, again, but you can go in the right direction to lower costs,” Elijah stated.
The GOP Needs to "Reach a New Audience" And Expand Its Base
The Sanford Republican told The Floridian that “Republicans and Conservatives have to reach a new audience” and expand their base.
Elijah shared an anecdote about a recent political event his campaign hosted on short notice that brought in eight or ten people who “had never been to a political event before.”
“That’s where we have the advantage… It gets you in the door. You still have to show you know the issues, and more importantly, [are] committed to listening to them and working for them. That’s what they want to hear. That’s why I keep coming back. But it brings a new group in.”
Ryan Elijah Affirms His Campaign is "100% Focused On Who We Are" In Race Against Mills
Elijah’s biggest opponent in the race is incumbent Congressman Cory Mills, who has served the district since 2023.
Elijah assured The Floridian that he and his campaign are “100% focused on who we are,” and that they’re focusing on their merits, echoing the same comments Elijah reportedly told Rep. Mills before joining the race.
The former news anchor emphasized that he’ll listen to voters’ concerns about the current House Ethics Committee investigation into Mills, but that his campaign is solely focused on the issues related to their main issues.
Incumbent Mills' House Ethics Investigation
“No matter where this Ethics investigation goes, there are still impacts of some of the things that are out there,” Elijah said. “We need to make sure that we have that figured out when we have the election in November. You know with independents and with some of those voters that may not be on the far right.”
Rep. Mills is currently under investigation for several allegations, including, domestic abuse and sexual misconduct, stolen valor, financial and campaign violations, and illegal federal contracts. It doesn't appear as if the investigation is going anywhere.
Florida's primary election will be held on is August 18th.
