Politics
‘We call that lying’: Grady Judd backs Ryan Elijah, slams Cory Mills for touting past endorsement
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is calling U.S. Rep. Cory Mills a liar for ever claiming he had the lawman’s endorsement. And the influential lawman is throwing his support to Ryan Elijah, Mills’ Republican Primary opponent.
“I’m endorsing Ryan Elijah. He’s honest. He’ll go to Washington and do what’s right,” Judd said. “Cory, shame on you for suggesting I endorsed you when I didn’t.”
But Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, said he never claimed a recent endorsement. He did tout an endorsement from the Polk County Sheriff in 2022, one that still appears on his campaign website today. Mills said that’s because the campaign was long ago locked out of the site and cannot update it.
Mills provided texts to verify he landed the endorsement four years ago when running for an open seat. In that message, Judd tells Mills to add his name to a list of endorsers. “Cory count me in you are clearly the best. Let me know how I can help,” Judd texted then.
“Ryan Elijah lying to Judd is shameful. My materials show I never referenced Judd,” Mills said.
But Judd does not dispute that he previously endorsed Mills. Rather, he said a series of personal scandals surfaced in the last two years disqualified the Congressman from re-election. He made as much clear in a video appearing on Elijah’s campaign Facebook page.
“I did not endorse Cory Mills for this election,” Judd said, emphasizing the word “this.”
“He’s misleading you. In Polk County, we call that lying to you. That’s right. He’s under criminal investigation. He’s had House ethics complaints. He’s not a good guy. We don’t want him representing us.”
Of note, Polk County doesn’t fall in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. But Judd’s endorsement has long been sought by Republicans throughout the state.
Mills said any review of recently printed campaign material will show he has not touted Judd’s endorsement in years. He did publicize the support from Judd in 2022.
“As the most pro-LEO candidate in Florida’s 7th District I’m honored by the endorsement of Sheriff, Grady Judd,” Mills posted then. “We are an honorary county Sheriff member, my company supports over 200 LE department/ agencies.”
The graphic used in that tweet is identical to one visible now on Mills’ website. The incumbent explained the technical issues and the reason his campaign social media still directs voters to the same web address, as do current flyers.
“That QR code goes to Winred donations site. The website was added by print shop from last election and used as template,” he said. “Yes we need new website and trying to get access to old one to update.”
He said the content is clearly dated as it references Anthony Sabatini, his 2022 Primary opponent.
Whatever value Judd’s endorsement has now belongs to Elijah, one of three Republicans challenging Mills in an Aug. 18 GOP Primary.
“It is a tremendous honor to earn the trust of Sheriff Judd,” Elijah said. “Central Floridians respect Sheriff Judd for his fearless record upholding law and order, putting criminals behind bars, and keeping families safe. I look forward to helping our Sheriffs accomplish their critical jobs as a member of Congress.”
Elijah also has picked up endorsements from Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.
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