Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has called for the resignation of Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, citing domestic abuse allegations made by Moreno's daughter, Emily Moreno, against her ex-husband. Moreno stated that Miller should resign from the House of Representatives and seek "serious psychological help."
Moreno issued a public statement on X, rejecting Miller's denials of the allegations. "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them," Moreno wrote. He added, "As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter."
The senator described the period following his daughter's divorce from Miller as "pure hell" for his family. "It has been horrific to watch this play out in full public view, all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle," Moreno stated. He also expressed concern for the safety of his family, noting that he had hoped to keep the matter private but that Miller's "increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible."
Rep. Miller has categorically denied all allegations of abuse made by Emily Moreno, including claims of physical assault and threats. In a Sunday livestream, Miller stated that no court or government agency has substantiated any abuse allegations against him and that he has never faced criminal charges related to these claims. He also asserted that child welfare investigations concerning his daughter were closed without findings against him and suggested the allegations surfaced during an intensified custody battle.
Emily Moreno has accused Miller of physically assaulting and threatening her during their marriage, and questions have been raised regarding a broken collarbone suffered by their daughter. Miller denies responsibility for the injury, stating his daughter was not in his care when it was discovered. He also denied an allegation of throwing boiling water on his ex-wife, describing the incident as horseplay.
A spokesperson for Emily Moreno, Stefan Mychajliw, called Miller's livestream a "shameful" and "lie-filled rant" intended to salvage his political career. "There is a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior and no amount of victim shaming will change that," Mychajliw said. The spokesperson expressed confidence that justice would prevail in court.
The intervention by Sen. Moreno intensifies pressure on Miller as a Wednesday deadline approaches for the Republican Party to replace him on the November ballot. The controversy has led Democrats to view Ohio's 7th Congressional District as a potential pickup opportunity. Despite the mounting pressure, Miller has vowed to remain the Republican nominee and win the general election.