New Smyrna Beach — Republican congressional candidates in District 7 gave their picks in the governor's race during a hotly contested debate moderated by The Floridian publisher Javier Manjarres in front of a live audience last night.
The debate featured Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), former Fox 35 Anchor Ryan Elijah, businesswoman Sara Ulrich, and veteran Michael Don Johnson, in a question-and-answer format hosted by the Volusia County Republican Party.
Rep. Mills, the incumbent, said he'll vote for Congressman Byron Donalds. President Donald Trump endorses both Mills and Donalds in their respective races.
"I have endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds. He is the Trump endorsee," Mills said. "He is going to be our next governor, and I am proud to continue to support him."
Rep. Donalds is in a Republican primary with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
Elijah, likely Rep. Mills' chief competitor in CD7, was noncommittal. He dodged the qusestion. Notably, Elijah was endorsed by Renner earlier in the day, who referred to Elijah as the district's conservative leader in a social media post.
"So, I have said I'm not going to endorse in any of the races. Governor DeSantis is not endorsing," Elijah said.
Elijah and Mills then clashed over his dodge. Elijah countered by accusing Mills of being a "distraction" to the Donalds' campaign over his alleged conduct in Congress.
Ulrich also did not commit to a candidate.
"There is no way I am answering that question," Ulrich said.
Johnson, arguably the most spirited of the group, said he'll vote for Renner and lesser-known candidate Rachel Rodriguez. Johnson repeatably clashed with Mills over accusations of stolen valor and his military services throughout the debate.
"I actually support Mr. Renner, and the second would be Rachel Rodriguez, because Paul Renner actually helped us getting laws passed when we went up to Tallahassee," Johnson said. "He's a great speaker and actually asked Cory Mills to resign."
The primary election is August 18.
