Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller Faces Calls to Resign Amid Domestic Abuse Allegations

Congressman Max Miller, a Republican representing Ohio's 7th district, delivered an 18-minute statement on Sunday defending himself against domestic-abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Moreno, the daughter of state Senator Bernie Moreno, alleges that Miller pointed a gun at her, poured hot water on her, and injured their two-year-old daughter, among other accusations. She has also claimed Miller assaulted her attorney and filed a restraining order on the lawyer’s behalf. Miller denied the allegations and suggested the accusations were part of a left-wing media campaign, later comparing his situation to President Donald Trump’s legal challenges.

Senator Bernie Moreno posted on X that Miller should resign, describing him as a danger to his daughter and expressing concern over his custody of his granddaughter. The Ohio Republican Party has until August 12 to replace Miller on the ballot if it chooses to do so. While some local Republican officials, such as Bill Heck, vice-chair of the Medina County party, said they are still assessing the credibility of the claims, they acknowledged growing unease among party members.

Polls in June showed the district leaning Republican by five points, and Miller, who was endorsed by Trump in 2021, was expected to retain his seat. However, recent reports suggest Trump’s support may be waning. Miller faces Democrat Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker, in the November race. Political analysts note that a weakened Republican candidate could make the district competitive in a midterm environment that generally favors Democrats.

Miller’s past includes other allegations of violence toward women, including an unverified claim by former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. The controversy has prompted some local Democrats, such as Wayne County party chair Bill Bailey, to call for Miller’s resignation, arguing that the Republican Party appears more focused on retaining the seat than on enforcing ethical standards.

Voters like David Griffith, a former Republican who now plans to vote Democratic, said the incident has altered his perception of the party. Griffith, who runs a local Facebook group, described Miller as “a person who needs help” and expressed disappointment in the representative’s conduct.