Mike Chitwood endorses Ryan Elijah over Cory Mills in GOP Primary

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is supporting former journalist Ryan Elijah as he challenges embattled U.S. Rep. Cory Mills for Florida’s 7th Congressional District.

“I’ve worked with Ryan for years. He is pro-law enforcement. He is meticulous when it comes to doing his job and best of all, he’s a man of integrity and that’s what we need in this district,” Chitwood said in an endorsement video released by Elijah’s campaign.

In the Republican Primary, Mills is facing Elijah, Michael Don Johnson and Sarah Ulrich. The winner faces Democrat Bale Dalton, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson or Marialana Kinter. Libertarian Christopher Dennison also qualified to be on the ballot.

Elijah’s latest endorsement comes from Chitwood, a longtime law enforcement leader who ran the Daytona Beach Police Department before he was elected Sheriff in 2016.

“I am truly honored to be endorsed by Sheriff Chitwood. He has provided such strong leadership for Volusia County over the past decade, protecting our communities with unapologetic resolve. I look forward to strongly supporting law enforcement in Volusia County and working together to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Elijah said.

Elijah previously worked as a co-anchor of Good Day Orlando and host of Orlando Matters on WOFL FOX 35. He left the station in April. 

CD 7 covers Volusia and Brevard counties.

Mills’ race for re-election is one to watch this political cycle after the two-term Congressman has been hit with scandals and bad headlines. Mills is the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation and has faced domestic abuse accusations from two former romantic partners and allegations he profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress.

Mills received less than $60,000 in the past three months and now reports just $81,000 in cash on hand. 

Elijah also recently announced he won the endorsement from state Sen. Tom Wright, whose district covers Brevard and Volusia counties.