Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has publicly called for the resignation of his former son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, citing accusations of abusive and dangerous behavior. The extraordinary statement from Moreno, posted on X Sunday, escalates a years-long family dispute that has moved from a contentious divorce into national politics.
Moreno stated that his family has endured "pure hell" over the past two years and expressed concern for the safety of his daughter and granddaughter while they are in Miller's custody. "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives," Moreno wrote, adding that he believes Miller "needs serious psychological help."
Miller, a Republican congressman endorsed by President Donald Trump, has denied the allegations. In a livestream earlier on Sunday, he stated that no court or agency has substantiated any claims of abuse against him and that no criminal charges have been filed. He asserted that investigations have been completed and that he cooperated fully because he has nothing to hide. Miller also accused his ex-wife of fueling a false narrative.
Miller's attorneys are seeking restraining orders against him, which would prohibit him from contacting or harassing members of her legal team. Emily Moreno's spokesman, Stefan Mychajliw, rejected Miller's characterization of the dispute, stating there is a "documented trove of evidence" of Miller's history of violent and dangerous behavior and that victim-shaming will not change that.
The public call for resignation comes days before Ohio's Aug. 5 deadline to replace congressional candidates on the ballot for the November general election. Moreno had previously refrained from commenting publicly on the dispute, with a spokesperson stating he does not "litigate these matters in the media" and that his priority is his daughter's and granddaughter's safety.