Max Miller’s Reelection Bid Under Fire Amid Abuse Allegations and Campaign-Cash Controversy

Republican Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) remains on the ballot for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District despite domestic-abuse accusations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, including claims he poured hot water on her, pointed a gun at her head, and caused a broken collarbone to their daughter. Miller denies the accusations and has asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate. His Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC has contributed more than $70,000 to 16 fellow Republicans; only Rep. Brad Finstad (MN) has publicly returned a $5,000 contribution.

GOP Remains Silent on Max Miller Campaign Cash Amid Abuse Allegations

Miller was first elected in 2022 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means committees. Senate Republicans Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno have urged Miller to resign. Earlier, White House officials asked Ohio GOP leaders not to launch a public pressure campaign against Miller.

PoliticoRoll CallGOP Remains Silent on Max Miller Campaign Cash Amid Abuse Allegations The HillNew York Times

• PAC contributions: > $70,000 to 16 GOP incumbents; $10,000 max to Sen. Jon Husted (OH) and Rep. Mike Lawler (NY).

Politico

• Return of funds: only Rep. Brad Finstad (MN) confirmed a $5,000 refund.

Politico

• Electoral outlook: Trump won the district by 11 points in 2024. The Cook Political Report re-rated the race from “Likely Republican” to “Toss Up.” One poll shows a 14-point Democratic lead; another shows a 5-point gap.

Roll Call

• Legal timeline: a statutory deadline for the GOP to replace Miller on the ballot has passed, leaving him on the November ticket.

GOP Remains Silent on Max Miller Campaign Cash Amid Abuse Allegations

• White House officials, speaking anonymously, told Ohio Republicans to “let the voters decide” and warned that a forced replacement would complicate messaging.

Politico

• The NRCC called Democratic attacks “shameless hypocrisy,” noting Democrats have kept money from scandal-tainted Rep. Eric Swalwell.

Politico

• Speaker Mike Johnson declined comment, deferring to the House Ethics Committee’s process.

The Hill

• The House Ethics Committee announced a review of domestic-violence and illegal-drug allegations after Miller requested a self-investigation.

Roll Call

Sen. Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, said the allegations make him “unfit to serve.” Sen. Jon Husted added that Miller “should not run for reelection.”

The Hill

• “I have the utmost confidence that my constituents back home know me. This race is a home race,” — Max Miller

The Hill

• Polling: The Hill cites a Cook-based memo showing Poindexter ahead by 14 points, while Politico reports a prior 5-point margin. Both agree the race is now a toss-up but differ on the size of the Democratic lead.

Roll Call

• Contribution returns: Only Brad Finstad’s refund is confirmed; other campaigns have not responded, leaving it unclear how many will keep the money.

Politico

The House Ethics Committee’s investigation will continue through the campaign season. Democrats will allocate additional resources to Poindexter’s race via the Red to Blue program, while Republican operatives warn that defending Miller will require “expensive” spending in a district the party once considered safely red. The November election will determine whether the GOP can retain its slim House majority despite the controversy surrounding Miller.

Politico