Democrats get their man as scandals put once-safe GOP House seat in play

Bale Dalton, a retired Navy helicopter pilot, has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District. He will challenge Republican incumbent Cory Mills, whose seat is now considered a potential pickup for Democrats due to ongoing scandals. Dalton has received backing from the Democratic establishment and various veteran and moderate-left groups.

• Bale Dalton won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
• Dalton will face Republican incumbent Cory Mills, whose seat is now considered competitive.
• Mills is facing multiple controversies and investigations, including by the House Ethics Committee.
• The Cook Political Report downgraded the district from ‘safe’ GOP to ‘likely’ GOP.
• Dalton is on the House Democratic campaign arm’s ‘Red to Blue’ list and has received endorsements from various groups.