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EXCLUSIVE: Florida Republican congressman-elect Ryan Elijah told Fox News Digital that he is heading to Washington with an “appetite” to crack down on fraud, protect consumers and tackle inflation, while calling for bipartisan cooperation in the incoming Congress.
Elijah, a former Central Florida sports broadcaster, made his remarks amid heightened scrutiny of fraud involving taxpayer-funded federal programs across the country.
“I’m going to lean into consumer protection — that’s something I fought for my whole life — and lean into fraud,” Elijah told Fox News Digital. “There is so much more Washington could do against fraud. I hope there is a bipartisan appetite on both sides to not only protect consumers but also target some of this fraud that is wasting so much of our tax dollars.”
Former local TV news anchor Ryan Elijah unseated Rep. Cory Mills in a high-stakes Florida GOP primary race. (Mike McClain/Ryan Elijah for Congress)
The incoming Republican, who beat embattled Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., in the Republican primary in August, expressed optimism that lawmakers from both parties could find common ground on addressing fraud and rising costs, arguing that voters sent a clear message during Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Elijah said voters “made it loud and clear to both parties” that they “want change, they want inflation to come down, and they want life to become a little easier. So I think both parties need to look at that.”
Elijah also emphasized that members of Congress represent “100% of the people in their district, not just 50%,” arguing that bipartisan solutions are necessary to restore public trust and accountability in Washington.
Beyond fighting fraud, Elijah pledged to restore a spirit of public service to Congress, criticizing lawmakers who use their positions to enrich themselves.
“What you do see is the people that enhance themselves, and people don’t want to see that. None of that should be taking place,” Elijah said while discussing congressional insider trading.
A view of the east side of the U.S. Capitol Building on Aug. 25, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
“Members of Congress should not sit on a committee and be able to trade stocks, and that is something that I would support if it moves forward in the next Congress,” he continued. “We all have to be on the same playing field, the person back home and the person on Capitol Hill.”
Elijah outlined his preferred committee assignments, telling Fox News Digital that he would like to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee or the House Financial Services Committee, where he could focus on consumer protection and financial oversight.
He also expressed interest in serving on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, describing it as “a great way to bring projects back to my district.”
Elijah said his district has “so much growth ahead of us,” arguing that a seat on the committee could help address its infrastructure needs.
The incoming lawmaker addressed the challenges facing Republicans after losing control of Congress in the midterm elections, urging his party to remain united.
Republican House candidate Ryan Elijah, left, attends a UFL event. (Ryan Elijah campaign)
Elijah said Republicans must “hold the line” on the “progress we’ve made so far” while working to advance their priorities in a divided Washington.
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Elijah is expected to be sworn into the 120th Congress in January.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: moxie.foxnews.com
