Rep. Max Miller missed the Wednesday deadline to withdraw from Ohio's 7th Congressional District race, preventing Republicans from easily selecting a special election replacement.
Miller, who is facing a firestorm of abuse accusations that he denies, remains on the ballot. He has until Aug. 10 to withdraw, at which point local Republicans could choose a successor. If he misses the later deadline, he cannot be replaced on the ballot.
His decision to stay in the race after winning the May primary has created difficulties for the Republican party. President Trump, who won Miller's district by 11 points in 2024, reportedly encouraged Miller to step aside in a phone call this week, though Miller has denied this.
"I hope he’s able to work it out. I feel badly for him," Trump told reporters Tuesday.
Miller has been accused by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), of abuse, including allegations of shoving her during a custody exchange, holding a gun to her head, and pouring hot water on her. Police reports also detail a broken collarbone and a "handprint bruise" on their 2-year-old daughter's shoulder, accusations Miller denies. He currently retains joint custody of their daughter.
Sen. Moreno has publicly called Miller unfit for Congress and urged him to seek psychological help.
Miller also faces accusations from former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and court documents mention rumors of him shoving a girl down the stairs in high school.
On Tuesday, Miller announced he had requested the House Ethics Committee to open an investigation into him, a process known for its lengthy duration. Recent polls indicate Miller is in a tight race against Bernie Sanders-endorsed candidate Brian Poindexter in the district, which Trump previously carried by a significant margin.