Embattled Republican Congressman Max Miller has confirmed he will remain in the race to retain his Ohio seat, despite facing accusations of spousal and child abuse and increasing pressure from within his own party to withdraw. The contest, in a district that Donald Trump carried by double digits in 2024, is now seen by Democrats as a potential opportunity to flip the seat.
A spokesperson for Miller stated he is staying in the race, defying calls from fellow Republicans, including Ohio Senator Jon Husted, to step aside. Under Ohio law, Miller would need to withdraw by Saturday to allow for a replacement process before the Monday deadline.
Miller is slated to face Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter, a local city council member and union ironworker. A recent poll indicated Poindexter leading Miller by 14 points, with high public awareness of the allegations against the incumbent.
Abuse Allegations and Investigations
Emily Moreno, Miller's ex-wife and the daughter of Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, has filed court documents accusing Miller of throwing boiling water at her, holding a gun to her head, shoving her against a wall, and fracturing their daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied all of these allegations.
The House Ethics Committee has formally opened an investigation into the domestic violence and drug abuse accusations. Miller has called for this investigation to clear his name.
Moreno also accused Miller of withholding their daughter's favorite blue bunny for 48 hours, an allegation Miller denies, stating on X that his daughter received the toy back within 14 hours. He posted screenshots of text messages and emails that he claims support his account, showing he agreed to a pickup arranged by a parenting coordinator but refused to hand the toy over to an unauthorized family friend.
In May, the Daily Mail first reported on Moreno's abuse allegations, publishing photographs of her alleged injuries. The outlet also recently revealed images purportedly showing a syringe in Miller's bedroom and a bag of high-potency marijuana gummies. Miller has admitted to using syringes for testosterone treatment. He has denied any illegal drug use, invoking his "Jewish word of honor" when pressed by CNN.
Calls for Resignation and Political Fallout
Senator Husted urged Miller to step down, stating in a post on X that a congressional campaign would not benefit Miller, his ex-wife, or their daughter, and that stepping aside would be in the child's best interest. Republican Senators Roger Marshall of Kansas and Rick Scott of Florida have also stated Miller should resign.
Despite the mounting pressure, Miller has expressed defiance. He told The New York Times that he is not dropping out and intends to win in November, drawing a parallel between his situation and Donald Trump's ability to withstand allegations in 2016. Miller also admitted that Trump had warned him the race would be "tough."
President Trump told reporters he would not get involved in Miller's race. When asked about the allegations, Trump characterized them as "accusations" and stated he would "let them figure that out." The White House has not commented on whether the President still stands by his endorsement of Miller.
Prior Allegations and Legal Actions
Stephanie Grisham, a former press secretary for Trump, has also accused Miller of domestic abuse. After Miller sued her for defamation over claims that first surfaced in 2021, the pair settled the case with a non-disclosure agreement. This week, Grisham filed a petition for a restraining order against Miller, with her lawyer stating that Miller had broken promises made in the settlement.
Miller's divorce settlement with Moreno in June 2025 included joint custody of their daughter and $2,500 per month in child support. Moreno filed a restraining order on behalf of her attorney against Miller on Thursday.
Some Republican lawmakers are hesitant to publicly support Miller as more details emerge. Prediction markets suggest a potential challenging midterm election for Republicans, with forecasts indicating an 83% chance of Democrats controlling the House.