Full Breakdown
Max Miller Refuses to Exit Ohio Congressional Race Amid Abuse Allegations
9/8/2026, 3:12:32 AM
Election Race and Allegations
Republican Congressman Max Miller is seeking a second term in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, facing Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter. During his first two terms, Miller emphasized border security, deregulation of manufacturers, and trade-school pathways for high-school students. In early 2024, Miller’s ex-wife Emily Moreno and their two-year-old daughter became the focus of a domestic-violence investigation after a medical exam revealed a broken collarbone and a “handprint bruise” on the child. Moreno and the family’s nanny alleged that Miller was responsible; Miller denied the claims, suggesting a car-seat injury before detectives ruled that theory out.
Investigation Outcomes
The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services opened a case, but in April the agency concluded the abuse claim was “unsubstantiated,” noting an “alleged perpetrator” without identifying a suspect. In May, the prosecutor’s office declared the evidence “insufficient admissible” for a grand-jury presentation, leading to the case’s closure. Separate accusations from Moreno—including an alleged gun-to-her-head incident and a wall-throwing episode during a custody exchange—remain unprosecuted.
Political Responses
“There’s all sorts of domestic events going on with 435 members of Congress all the time; it’s not my business to get engaged in it,” — House Speaker Mike Johnson Senator Bernie Moreno, Emily’s father, urged Miller to resign, saying he “fails” basic character standards for office. In August, former President Donald Trump told Miller his situation “looked bad” and warned the re-election fight would be difficult, though he did not explicitly call for resignation. Miller announced he would file his own ethics paperwork to clear his name, asserting he has “nothing to hide.” “In my line of work, one allegation can take somebody down, and it doesn’t matter if there is any proof behind it.” — Republican Congressman Max Miller
Verbatim Quotes
- “In my line of work, one allegation can take somebody down, and it doesn’t matter if there is any proof behind it.” — Max Miller “In my line of work, one allegation can take somebody down, and it doesn’t matter if there is any proof behind it.” — Republican Congressman Max Miller
- “There’s all sorts of domestic events going on with 435 members of Congress all the time; it’s not my business to get engaged in it,” — Mike Johnson “There’s all sorts of domestic events going on with 435 members of Congress all the time; it’s not my business to get engaged in it,” — House Speaker Mike Johnson
The race proceeds with Miller refusing to withdraw, while investigations have been closed and political leaders defer to due-process mechanisms.
