Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed Ryan Elijah, the former Fox 35 anchor, after Elijah won the Republican primary in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Representative Cory Mills.

DeSantis had refused to support Mills earlier, citing personal scandals involving Mills’s girlfriend and a former partner, and said the district was at risk for Democrats.

He said he did not know all four Republican candidates but stated that Elijah was a worthy choice, noting that his wife Casey DeSantis worked in local news and that local journalists are generally more trusted than national reporters.

DeSantis added that he does not personally know Elijah but said he is a suitable candidate.

The endorsement may influence the general election, where Democrats have targeted the seat.