Cory Mills

Cory Mills is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 7th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Mills began his tenure in the House of Representatives in 2023. His background includes military service as a U.S. Army veteran, where he earned commendations for his actions during deployment, as well as experience in the private sector, particularly in risk management and consulting.

Early life and career

Cory Lee Mills was born on July 30, 1980, in Auburndale, Florida. He was raised in Central Florida, where he completed his early education. After graduating from high school, Mills enlisted in the United States Army in 1999. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division until 2003, participating in significant military operations, including Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo War in 1999. His deployment to Iraq in 2003 was marked by notable actions that earned him the Bronze Star Medal, awarded for his efforts in saving the lives of fellow soldiers during combat.

Following his military service, Mills pursued higher education, earning an associate's degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville. He continued his academic journey at American Military University, where he obtained both a bachelor's and a master's degree. This educational background laid the foundation for his subsequent career in business and public service.

After leaving the Army, Mills transitioned into the private sector, where he worked as a military contractor for DynCorp from 2005 to 2009. His work took him overseas, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later held positions as a maritime security specialist and anti-piracy adviser for Special Tactical Services, as well as working for federal contractors such as Chemonics International and Pax Mondial Ltd. His experience culminated in a role as a senior risk manager at Management Systems International.

In 2014, Mills co-founded Pacem Solutions International LLC, a risk management and consulting firm, alongside his wife, Rana Al Saadi. The following year, he established Pacem Defense, a private security company. His business ventures included facilitating a significant arms deal between Pacem and the government of Iraq, valued at $228 million, which was supported by the United States Department of Defense.

Mills' business endeavors faced challenges, including financial difficulties that resulted in substantial debt and operational issues with his companies. Despite these challenges, he also co-founded ALS Less-Lethal Systems, which manufactures equipment for military and law enforcement clients. In December 2020, Mills was appointed to the Defense Business Board by President Donald Trump, a position he held until February 2021, when he resigned at the request of President Joe Biden.

House tenure

Cory Mills announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 7th congressional district in April 2021. His campaign initially aimed to challenge incumbent Democratic representative Stephanie Murphy. However, Murphy's decision to retire in December 2021 opened the field for Mills and other candidates. The redistricting process altered the demographics of the 7th district, making it more favorable for Republican candidates by removing parts of Orlando and incorporating a portion of Volusia County, which had been trending Republican.

In the crowded Republican primary held in August 2022, Mills emerged victorious, defeating several opponents, including state representative Anthony Sabatini. He secured over a third of the votes, winning by a margin of more than 10,000 votes. Mills then faced Democratic nominee Karen Green in the general election, where he achieved a significant victory, garnering 58.5% of the vote.

During his campaign, Mills was involved in a notable humanitarian effort, successfully evacuating an Afghan woman and her three children from Afghanistan amidst the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Initially, he sought to arrange an airlift but was denied by U.S. Central Command and the State Department. Consequently, he executed the evacuation by land, demonstrating his commitment to assisting those in need during a critical period.

In the 2024 election cycle, Mills faced a challenge from former state senate candidate Mike Johnson in the Republican primary, which he won decisively, receiving 80.9% of the vote. He subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Jennifer Adams in the general election, securing 56.5% of the votes cast.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office, Mills has engaged in various legislative activities and initiatives. He has co-sponsored resolutions, including one led by fellow Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene aimed at impeaching President Joe Biden, primarily focusing on issues related to border security. His actions in Congress have included distributing commemorative items, such as 40 mm grenades stamped with the Republican Party logo, to fellow House members as a gesture of welcome.

Mills' legislative focus reflects his background in military service and risk management, often emphasizing national security and defense-related issues. His experience as a military contractor and business leader informs his approach to policy-making, particularly in areas concerning defense spending, military readiness, and veteran affairs.

As of now, Mills is serving his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives, with his current term set to conclude on January 3, 2027. His career trajectory illustrates a blend of military service, business acumen, and political engagement, positioning him as a notable figure within the Republican Party and the legislative landscape of Florida.