Republican Congressman Max Miller has lost Ohio's 7th District to Democrat Brian Poindexter, with abuse allegations detailed by his ex-wife and a former White House press secretary appearing to impact his re-election bid. Poindexter secured 54.6 percent of the vote to Miller's 45.7 percent, according to Associated Press projections with 88 percent of precincts reporting. Trump had carried the district by approximately 11 points in the 2024 presidential election.
The Daily Mail first reported in May on court filings from Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who accused the congressman of scalding her with hot water, holding a gun to her head, and hitting her. Moreno also alleged that Miller fractured their two-year-old daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied all allegations and has not been charged. He sued both Moreno and Stephanie Grisham, his former girlfriend and ex-White House press secretary, for defamation.
Grisham also accused Miller of abuse and filed a lawsuit against him in July. Her father, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, publicly stated in August that Miller required "serious psychological help" and should not serve in the House.
Despite pressure from within his own party to withdraw from the race, Miller remained a candidate. His opponent, Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker and former Brook Park city councilman, had been trailing Miller in some polling, but a Republican firm's survey in early August showed Poindexter leading 47 percent to 33 percent, with Miller's support among Republicans reportedly below 70 percent. Miller's campaign had run advertisements accusing Poindexter of past drug possession and an arrest for assault, which Poindexter stated he had been open about.