Embattled GOP Rep. Max Miller Clings to Ohio Ballot Despite Party Outcry
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Ignoring demands from Republican leaders to step down over domestic-abuse allegations, Rep. Max Miller refuses to withdraw from Ohio's 7th Congressional District race, keeping the door open for Democrat Brian Poindexter to challenge entrenched right-wing power.
Republican Rep. Max Miller, facing serious domestic-abuse allegations from his ex-wife, has chosen to continue his campaign for Ohio's 7th Congressional District, defying urgent calls from GOP officials to step aside. This decision, made as the deadline to replace candidates passed, exposes the Republican Party’s willingness to protect its own, even when faced with credible accusations of abuse. Miller’s presence on the ballot ensures that the race remains competitive, giving hope to those seeking accountability and change.
The district, gerrymandered to favor Republicans, was carried by Donald Trump in 2022 and by Miller in 2020 with a mere 51% in a three-way split—hardly a mandate. Miller, 37, has tried to reassure his supporters by pointing to the district’s partisan lean and his supposed record of constituent service, but his credibility is deeply undermined by the allegations against him.
Both Ohio senators, including Miller’s own former father-in-law Sen. Bernie Moreno, have called for his withdrawal, yet the party’s de facto leader, Donald Trump, dismissed the abuse claims as a “family dispute” and insisted they be handled privately—an all-too-familiar tactic of minimizing harm to protect powerful men. Trump even warned Miller that staying in the race would make things “tough,” but stopped short of demanding accountability.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters claimed the party would support its nominees, but notably refused to guarantee financial support for Miller, signaling cracks in the GOP’s armor. Miller, undeterred, has pledged to pour even more of his personal fortune into the race, having already spent $1 million of his own money—another example of the wealthy using their resources to cling to power.
Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter, a Brook Park city councilman and champion of working people, has emphasized his union endorsements and commitment to “serve with honor.” He condemned Miller’s decision to keep his personal scandal in the public eye, vowing to focus his campaign on the needs of ordinary people across the district.
National Democratic groups, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, are now considering whether to prioritize this race in their midterm spending, as the contest—once considered safe for Republicans—draws increasing national attention and scrutiny.