South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace filed an expulsion resolution against Florida Republican Cory Mills, escalating intra-party tensions over ethics allegations that include sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations—a rare move that exposes deep fractures within the GOP.
Ethics Investigation Triggers Unprecedented GOP Clash
The House Ethics Committee currently investigates Mills for allegations of sexual misconduct, dating violence, and campaign finance violations. Mills denies all wrongdoing and publicly challenged Mace to bring the resolution to a vote. The Ethics Committee received a referral last November after Mace’s initial censure attempt failed when both parties voted to defer the matter to committee review rather than immediate floor action.
Speaker Mike Johnson expressed disapproval of Republicans targeting each other for expulsion, stating the Ethics Committee process ensures proper due process for members facing allegations. Mills countered that allegations alone should not substitute for established procedural protections, arguing Mace conflates accusations with proven misconduct.
Pattern of Legal Controversies Surrounds Florida Congressman
Mills faces multiple legal challenges beyond the current investigation. Washington police investigated him in February 2025 following an alleged assault report near his property, though no charges resulted. A Florida judge issued a restraining order against Mills in October after his ex-girlfriend accused him of threatening and harassing behavior related to dating violence. Mills maintains his innocence across all accusations.
The timing coincides with broader House ethics controversies. Former Representatives Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned last week amid bipartisan expulsion pressure over sexual misconduct allegations involving congressional staffers. Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces potential expulsion after a special Ethics subcommittee found her guilty of 25 violations related to allegedly stealing five million dollars in federal relief funds for campaign use. She pleaded not guilty in federal court.
Republican Unity Fractures Over Internal Accountability
Mace’s aggressive stance contrasts with typical party solidarity during election cycles. She criticized both parties for previously blocking her censure attempt and committee assignment removal efforts against Mills. Mace herself faces Ethics Committee scrutiny over allegations she overcharged Congress for housing expenses, though her office dismissed the complaint as lacking merit. The parallel investigations highlight the complex political calculations surrounding ethics enforcement when members investigate colleagues.
