Republican nominee for Florida’s 7th Congressional District (FL CD 7), Ryan Elijah, released a campaign ad alongside Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma to reinforce their commitment to public safety.
“It is a true honor to have these sheriffs’ support because safer communities are stronger communities,” Elijah said.
Today we released our second commercial focused on public safety. I'm honored to have the support of both sheriffs in our district, who know firsthand what it takes to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/IAgn5ZYjL3
— Ryan Elijah (@RyanElijah) October 7, 2026
Sheriffs Affirm FL CD 7 Needs Leaders Like Elijah
“Higher crime costs all of us: families, homeowners, and business owners. Now more than ever, we need leaders who back those of us in the front lines, like Ryan Elijah,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “I’ve worked with Ryan for years. He’s dedicated and a man of integrity,” Sheriff Lemma said. “Somebody who always stood up for the vulnerable and fought to expose fraud and return thousands of dollars to those who were wronged.”
Elijah's Strong Support for Law Enforcement
The former Orlando Matters anchor has touted his strong support for law enforcement, advocating for supporting legislation that protects it, including harsher penalties for assaulting or shooting officers.
Elijah’s campaign has gained support not only from law enforcement officials in FL CD 7, but also from other districts, such as Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Elijah's Odds in the Race
The Volusia County Republican’s newest ad comes less than a month before the upcoming 2026 Midterm election.
Elijah defeated incumbent Congressman Cory Mills in the primary, receiving 46.9% of the vote compared to Mills’ 34.4%. However, the Republican challenger’s fight remains contentious as he now faces a competitive district.
According to several pollsters and prediction markets, FL CD 7’s race is leaning slightly Republican, with some viewing the race as a split chance between the nominees.
FL CD 7's Congressional History
Elijah’s chances could be favorable given President Donald Trump’s win in the district during the 2024 Presidential Election and the seat’s flip in 2023 after Mills defeated Democratic opponent Karen Green for former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy’s seat.
Before Murphy, Republican leadership represented the district in Congress for 24 years.
