Ohio Senator Calls Former Son-in-Law Rep. Max Miller Unfit for Office, Urges Psychological Help
Sen. Bernie Moreno said Rep. Max Miller should not serve in Congress and needs professional help, as the congressman faces domestic-abuse allegations from his ex-wife while seeking reelection.
Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno said his former son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, should not remain in the U.S. House and needs "serious psychological help" after Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse. Moreno posted the statement on X on Sunday, asserting that Miller fails basic character standards required for elected office.
Miller, who denies the allegations, announced he will stay in the race for a second term in a heavily Republican district. In a video released Sunday, he said the accusations stem from a single source and have never been substantiated by any court or agency. He also provided documents he said demonstrate his innocence.
Emily Moreno’s spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, called Miller’s response a "bizarre and lie-filled rant" and said a documented record shows a pattern of violent behavior. He added that Miller could lie on social media but not under oath, and expressed confidence that the legal process would resolve the matter.
Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter said anyone accused of holding a gun to a spouse’s head and injuring a child should not hold public office. The seat is viewed as important for the 2026 midterms, though it has not been identified as a likely Democratic pickup.
Sen. Moreno’s remarks are among the first since the allegations became public, and he noted the August 5 deadline for Miller to withdraw and allow a replacement candidate.
"If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives," Moreno said.
"Every one of these allegations traces back to a single source, my former wife. Not one of these allegations has ever been substantiated by any court or any agency," Miller said.
"I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November," Miller added.
"As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter," Moreno said.