Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, will remain the Republican nominee in Ohio's 7th Congressional District after the state's ballot withdrawal deadline passed Saturday evening without his withdrawal. This decision locks him into the race despite ongoing calls for his resignation due to domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno.
Miller's decision means Ohio Republican officials cannot select a replacement candidate in time to meet the state's Monday certification deadline. Miller has denied the allegations, stating that no court or agency has substantiated claims of abuse and that he has never been criminally charged in connection with the dispute. He has also filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
The controversy intensified when Sen. Moreno publicly called on his former son-in-law to resign from Congress, bringing a private family dispute into the national political arena. Moreno accused Miller of increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior, asserting that Miller should not serve in the House of Representatives.
The situation arises as Republicans aim to defend their narrow majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming November elections. Miller represents a district that has historically favored Republicans, having been carried by former President Donald Trump by approximately 11 points in 2024. Miller is expected to face Democrat Brian Poindexter in the general election, potentially opening an opportunity for Democrats in a traditionally GOP-leaning seat.