Max Miller’s Domestic Abuse Allegations Threaten Ohio GOP Hold on House Seat

U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) faces domestic-abuse accusations from his ex-wife Emily Moreno, daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno. Court filings allege Miller threw hot water on Moreno, held a gun to her head, shoved her into a wall and caused a fracture to their two-year-old daughter’s collarbone. Miller denies the claims, has filed defamation suits, and has not responded to media inquiries. The deadline to replace Miller on the ballot is August 9.

Daily BeastMax Miller abuse claims raise Ohio GOP election concerns NOTUSThe HillAssociated Press

Miller won Ohio’s 7th District in 2023 with just over 51 % of the vote, a district Trump carried in 2020. He served as a White House adviser during Trump’s first term and received Trump’s endorsement for his 2024 reelection bid. The allegations stem from the couple’s 2022 marriage and a 2024 divorce filing.

Associated Press

• 2023 election margin: 51 % for Miller.

NOTUS

• Miller has out-raised Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter; Poindexter’s campaign says a $2 million infusion would be needed to make the race competitive.

Raw Story

• No criminal charges have been filed; a Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services investigation of alleged child abuse was deemed unsubstantiated.

Associated Press

Sen. Moreno’s office declined comment, citing “active litigation.” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the accusations “very serious” but said the decision to keep Miller on the ballot rests with voters.

NOTUS

Democratic leaders have called for Miller’s resignation. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) said it “would be wise” for him to step down, and the gun-violence-prevention group Giffords urged the same. The House Majority PAC is monitoring the race as part of its broader strategy to flip GOP-held seats.

Associated Press

• Child injury cause: Moreno’s filings attribute the daughter’s broken collarbone to Miller’s alleged assault; Miller’s team argues it resulted from Moreno’s “reckless driving.”

Max Miller abuse claims raise Ohio GOP election concerns

• Child-abuse investigation: A 2023 Cuyahoga County report found the abuse allegations “unsubstantiated,” yet the court filings continue to assert the incidents occurred.

Associated Press

• No law-enforcement charges have been filed, leaving the allegations in the civil-court arena.

Associated Press

• “These are serious allegations and deserve the full attention of law enforcement,” — Brian Poindexter

Associated Press

• “Unless serious people are willing to put in serious money, I’d say beginning around $2 million, it’s all nothing but lip exercises,” — Terry Casey, Republican consultant

Associated Press

• “It really shocks me that, and it pains me too, that the mother of my child wants to be known as the next Amber Heard,” — Rep. Max Miller, house press secretary

Daily Beast

Republican leaders are watching the August 9 deadline to determine whether a replacement candidate will be filed. The House Majority PAC and Democratic operatives are preparing potential ad buys, while the House Ethics Committee’s decision on a formal inquiry remains pending. The outcome will affect the 7th District race and the GOP’s ability to retain its narrow House majority in the midterms.

Associated Press