Domestic Abuse Allegations Threaten Ohio Republican’s Reelection Bid

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) faces multiple domestic-abuse accusations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who is also the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). Moreno alleges physical assaults, scalding water, a gun held to her head and ongoing verbal altercations. Miller has denied the claims, filed a defamation suit, and described Moreno as having “mental health issues.” A restraining-order petition was filed by Moreno’s lawyer, while a court has continued to allow Miller joint custody of their two-year-old daughter. The controversy has drawn national media attention and intensified scrutiny of Miller’s conduct.

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The allegations have coincided with a tightening race in a district President Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. Miller won reelection that year with 51 percent of the vote, while his Democratic challenger secured 36 percent. A June poll commissioned by challenger Brian Poindexter’s campaign and conducted by GBAO showed Miller ahead by only one point (44 percent to 43 percent) with 13 percent undecided. Race-rating organizations have adjusted their outlook: Inside Elections moved the seat from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican” in June; the Cook Political Report shifted it from “Solid R” to “Likely R”; and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed the rating from “Safe Republican” to “Likely Republican,” then to “Leans Republican” after the New York Times story.

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Miller’s spokesperson, Abigail Angelos, emphasized that the court’s custody decision indicates a lack of credible evidence. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) described the matter as a “family matter,” expressing personal support for Miller and urging prayer for the family.

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Gun-violence-prevention group Giffords and the Democratic Women’s Caucus have called for Miller’s resignation and a House Ethics Committee investigation. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) urged that Miller be removed from office and held accountable. The Democratic Women’s Caucus similarly demanded an ethics probe.

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• “Congressman Miller will continue to vigorously defend his reputation against false and reckless allegations designed to inflame public opinion rather than reflect reality. This narrative has gone on long enough,” — Abigail Angelos, a spokesperson for Miller

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• “The key word there is allegation. We have a process here, and the House Ethics Committee works on those things,” — Speaker Mike Johnson

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