Trump-backed GOP candidate who ousted scandal-plagued incumbent warns against 'never-ending war' with Iran

Ryan Elijah, a Republican who spent 14 years as a Central Florida television journalist, is now the party's candidate for Florida's seventh congressional district after beating Rep. Cory Mills in the August 18 primary. Elijah took 47% of the vote to Mills' 34%. He had argued that Mills, dogged by a series of personal and professional scandals, put a Republican-leaning seat at risk of falling to Democrats. President Donald Trump, who initially endorsed Mills, later said he had privately urged the congressman to leave the contest, according to Fox News.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Elijah explained that he gave up a job he loved because he felt the moment demanded leadership. As he saw it, the primary was heading toward a November loss for the party. He said his local connections and the community's trust made a bid possible, and that voters in Seminole and Volusia counties wanted a choice and made that clear at the ballot box. He believes the result leaves Republicans well positioned to keep the seat.

Elijah says he will stay independent in Congress, push for transparency and accountability, and advocate strongly for his constituents. He also discussed Iran, affordability and immigration.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →