Rep. Mills Warns Mace Expulsion Effort Could Set Dangerous House Precedent

Rep. Cory Mills Decries Expulsion Attempt as “Political Theatrics” Amid Ethics Investigation

Republican Florida Congressman Cory Mills has strongly rejected an effort to remove him from office, characterizing the expulsion resolution filed by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) as politically motivated rather than based on substantiated wrongdoing.

“This is political theatrics,” Mills told reporters at the Capitol on Monday. “She’s essentially saying she’s judge, juror and executioner.”

Mace introduced the expulsion resolution citing a House Ethics Committee investigation into Mills, who faces allegations of domestic abuse and predatory behavior toward former romantic partners. The most serious accusations include an alleged domestic abuse incident from February 2025 and claims that he threatened to release explicit images of a romantic partner in July of that year.

Mills has consistently denied all allegations and emphasized that he currently faces no criminal charges. While the House Ethics Committee is investigating the matter, Mills pointed out that such an investigation does not itself constitute evidence of wrongdoing.

“The bottom line is there is absolutely no criminal or civil investigation that’s even open about me,” Mills stated, distinguishing his situation from other recent congressional scandals.

In a notable counterattack, Mills highlighted that Mace herself is under an ethics review regarding lodging reimbursement claims. “If this is the precedent for expulsion, then she herself would be under that same precedent,” he argued, alleging that Mace is being investigated for “renting her own home to herself as an Airbnb, utilizing taxpayer funding.”

Mace, however, has defended her resolution, stating in a press release that the “evidence against Mills is overwhelming.” She asserted that “any Member who votes to keep him here is voting to protect a woman beater and a fraud. He needs to be expelled immediately.”

The expulsion attempt comes during a period of heightened scrutiny of congressional misconduct. In recent weeks, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) resigned his seat after multiple women accused him of sexual abuse and rape. Shortly thereafter, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) announced plans to leave office following revelations about an intimate relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Unlike those cases, which resulted in resignations before formal expulsion proceedings could conclude, Mills appears determined to fight the accusations and maintain his position. He expressed concern that Mace’s motion sets a dangerous precedent by attempting to remove a sitting member of Congress based on unproven allegations still under investigation.

“It’s one thing to introduce it for political theatrics and fundraising. It’s another to notice it for a vote. She’s setting a very dangerous precedent,” Mills warned.

The House Ethics Committee has the authority to investigate allegations against members and can refer matters to the Department of Justice if it finds evidence of criminal conduct. However, the committee’s investigation process is typically lengthy and confidential until conclusions are reached.

Expulsion from Congress is extremely rare and requires a two-thirds majority vote in the chamber. Throughout U.S. history, only five House members have ever been expelled—three for supporting the Confederacy during the Civil War, and most recently, former Rep. James Traficant in 2002 following his conviction on corruption charges.

Mace’s resolution against Mills will likely reach the House floor for consideration later this week, setting up a high-stakes vote that could establish new standards for congressional accountability or reinforce the traditional presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The outcome will be closely watched as Congress continues to grapple with questions about ethical standards and appropriate conduct for elected officials in an era of increasing public demand for accountability.