Max Miller Remains on Ohio Ballot Amid Abuse Allegations and Party Pressure

Under Ohio law, the Republican Party had until August 10 to name a replacement nominee for the 7th Congressional District if Rep. Max Miller withdrew. He did not withdraw by the deadline, so his name stays on the November 3 ballot. State officials note a post-deadline removal request is possible but would likely leave the party without a nominee.

CNBC

The dispute originates from a divorce and custody case with Emily Moreno, daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Moreno’s filing accuses Miller of physically abusing her and their two-year-old daughter, citing incidents such as throwing hot water, holding a gun to her head, and a fractured collarbone. Miller has denied the claims and, in early August, posted a 20-minute video on X asserting “absolutely nothing to hide” and releasing personal files he said would exonerate him. The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation after Miller requested a review of his conduct.

HuffPost

• Deadline: August 10 – last day for party officials to replace a candidate.

Newsweek

• Poll: A Co/efficient poll of 615 likely voters (Aug. 5-6) showed Miller trailing his own party line by 10 points, with Democrat Brian Poindexter leading by 14 points (margin of error ± 3.94%).

Washington Examiner

• Election date: November 3 – Miller will face Poindexter, an ironworker, in the general election.

CNN

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the allegations “serious” and said leadership will wait for the Ethics Committee’s findings. President Donald Trump, who endorsed Miller, expressed personal sadness and said he would let the families resolve the matter, noting he “knows Max… a good person.” The Ethics Committee said the probe will examine possible domestic-violence, abuse, or illegal drug use without pre-judging the outcome.

Newsweek

A growing list of Republican officials has urged Miller to resign:

CNBC

• Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) called the allegations “deeply troubling.”

NBC News

• Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) said “anyone who commits domestic violence is not fit to serve in Congress.”

Washington Examiner

• Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) labeled Miller “a danger” to his daughter and granddaughter.

Ohio GOP Congressman Max Miller Faces Resignation Calls Over Abuse Allegations and Stuffed Bunny Dispute

• Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) described Miller as a “degenerate sociopath.”

HuffPost

• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) voiced support for Moreno’s call for resignation.

HuffPost

These statements highlight intra-party pressure as Republicans assess the potential loss of a seat that could affect the House majority.

Newsweek

• “if the allegations are true.” — Sen. Jim Banks

NBC News

• “I believe Max would be making the right decision to step aside as a candidate and resign from Congress to focus on what is in the best interest of his daughter,” — Sen. Jon Husted

Newsweek

Sources differ on whether Miller can still withdraw after the August 10 deadline. CNBC notes a candidate may request removal; CNN says the deadline effectively locks the nominee on the ballot, leaving the party with “little practical opportunity” to replace him. No definitive guidance from Ohio election officials has been cited.

Newsweek

The House Ethics Committee’s investigation will continue through the summer, with findings expected before the November election. Both parties are preparing for a potentially competitive race in a district previously considered safely Republican. If Miller remains on the ballot, the November 3 contest will test whether the allegations and intra-party dissent translate into electoral defeat.

Newsweek