Max Miller Abuse Allegations Turn Ohio Seat into Midterm Battleground

Republican U.S. Rep. Max Miller faces multiple civil and criminal claims stemming from a long-running dispute with his ex-wife Emily Moreno. Moreno alleges Miller scalded, hit and threatened her during their marriage and cites a broken collarbone suffered by their two-year-old daughter. Miller denies all accusations and has filed defamation suits against Moreno and a second accuser. In May, a judge was asked to issue a temporary restraining order after lawyers for Moreno claimed Miller shouted insults at her attorney and physically grabbed him during a hearing. Miller’s campaign has not responded to media inquiries. Earlier this year, Miller’s spokesperson supplied documentation showing that the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services had deemed abuse allegations against his daughter “unsubstantiated.” On July 7, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham filed a lawsuit alleging Miller violated a confidential settlement by reviving past abuse claims in his dispute with Moreno.

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Miller won Ohio’s 7th Congressional District in 2022 with just over 51 % of the vote, a district that Trump carried decisively two years earlier. Democrats view the controversy as a potential opening to flip the seat. Their nominee, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and argues the allegations merit full law-enforcement attention. Campaign finance analysts note that unless “serious people” contribute roughly $2 million, Poindexter’s effort may remain “nothing but lip exercises.” Miller has significantly outraised Poindexter, though the Democratic campaign reports a recent surge in social-media followers. Republican leaders, including Gov. Mike DeWine, say the accusations are “very serious” but should be decided by voters.

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The House Democratic Women’s Caucus and Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández, Emilia Sykes, and Hillary Scholten issued a joint letter calling the domestic-violence claims “deeply disturbing” and urging an ethics investigation. Cleveland Democrat Shontel Brown said it would be “wise” for Miller to resign. Senator Bernie Moreno declined comment; his spokeswoman emphasized the senator’s focus on his daughter and granddaughter’s safety.

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• “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, a longtime Republican consultant in Ohio

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

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• “If all the allegations against Congressman Miller prove to be true, Max Miller should be in jail, not worried about retaining a seat in Congress.” — Jim Trakas, a former state lawmaker and GOP party chair in northeast Ohio

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