Full Breakdown
Max Miller’s Reelection Bid Under Fire Amid Domestic-Abuse Allegations
8/3/2026, 11:07:02 AM
Core Event
Republican Rep. Max Miller (Ohio’s 7th District) is seeking a third term while his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, allege a pattern of physical abuse toward Moreno and their two-year-old daughter. Emily Moreno has filed a restraining order to block Miller from contacting her lawyers, citing incidents that include a custody exchange in Bay Village where she says Miller “threw” her against a wall, leaving a grab mark on her arm and bruising on her stomach. She also alleges that Miller held a gun to her head in 2025, scalded her with hot water in 2024, and caused their daughter’s clavicle fracture. Miller denies the claims, maintains joint custody and has vowed to stay in the race, stating he “won’t drop out” and will win in November. The dispute has intensified a week before the Ohio Republican Party’s deadline to replace a candidate on the November ballot if Miller withdraws.
Background & Context
Miller and Emily Moreno married in 2022, divorced in 2025, and share a daughter born in 2022. Miller, a former White House aide during President Donald Trump’s first term, was endorsed by Trump for his 2024 reelection, which he won with just over 51 % of the vote in a district Trump carried by 11 points. Prior accusations of violence include a 2021 claim by former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, which led Miller to file—and later dismiss—a defamation suit. The current allegations have resurfaced amid a contentious custody battle and a series of court filings.
Timeline
- June 8 2024 – Moreno alleges Miller threw hot water at her during a marital dispute.
- May 2026 – Moreno requests a restraining order against Miller’s contact with her attorney.
- July 30 2026 – Court filing reiterates claims of assault, gun threat, and child injury.
- July 31 2026 – UPI reports on the restraining order request.
- June 4 2026 – Miller appears at a Ways and Means Committee hearing.
Official Statements & Responses
Sen. Bernie Moreno posted on X that Miller “fails basic standards of character” and “needs serious psychological help,” emphasizing concern for his daughter and granddaughter’s safety. Miller’s campaign spokeswoman, Abigail Angelos, argued that the continued joint-custody arrangement proves the allegations lack credible evidence. Miller asserts no court or agency has substantiated any claim and released documents he says exonerate him. The Ohio Department of Children and Family Services reported no substantiated evidence of child abuse in its investigations.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic nominee Brian Poindexter called for Miller’s resignation, stating that “no one credibly accused of holding a gun to his wife’s head and breaking their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone belongs in the halls of power.” Republican-leaning groups have largely refrained from denouncing Miller, while the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) have urged a House Ethics Committee investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police reports describe visible bruises and a hand-print-shaped mark on the child, and cite the daughter’s alleged statement “Daddy kill you.” Child-welfare investigators, however, concluded the evidence did not substantiate abuse. Miller maintains the “hot-water” incident was “horseplay” and that the alleged gun threat never occurred. No criminal charges have been filed against either party.
What’s Next
Ohio Republicans must decide by the upcoming Wednesday deadline whether to replace Miller on the November ballot. The November election will determine whether Miller retains his seat amid ongoing legal battles and calls for an ethics investigation.
