Donald Trump has reportedly told Representative Max Miller that his reelection campaign is "not looking good" as the congressman faces allegations of abuse from his ex-wife. Axios reported that Trump spoke with Miller by phone on Monday.
During the conversation, Trump conveyed his concerns about Miller's campaign prospects, according to the report. However, Miller informed Trump that his own pollsters indicate he is in a strong position and that he intends to remain in the race.
Trump publicly addressed the allegations earlier in the week, stating in the Oval Office that he knows Miller to be a "good person" and that he would let "the families figure it out." He described the situation as "a very sad thing" and noted that "so far, it's accusations."
Max Miller, a Republican representing Ohio's 7th congressional district, has denied all allegations of physical abuse made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Moreno, daughter of Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, has accused Miller of abuse over the past few years. Senator Moreno has publicly stated that his former son-in-law "needs serious psychological help" and called him a "danger," asserting that Miller should not continue to serve in elected office.
Miller, in a livestream on Sunday, denied the accusations, including those involving their young daughter. He stated he would provide evidence to prove his innocence and insisted he would not withdraw from the race, asserting, "I'm winning in November."
Miller's office stated that "All of the allegations that have been made against him have been found to be unsubstantiated."
The Cook Political Report rates Ohio's 7th district as "Likely Republican," a shift from "Solid Republican" on June 18. The district has a partisan voter index of R+5. Miller won his previous race with 51.1 percent of the vote.
Brian Poindexter, the Democratic nominee for the seat, has publicly criticized Miller, stating that "no one credibly accused of holding a gun to his wife's head and breaking their two-year-old daughter's collarbone belongs in the halls of power."
Republican JR Majweski has indicated he might run for Miller's seat if the incumbent were to withdraw. The deadline for Ohio Republicans to initiate the process of replacing Miller on the ballot is Wednesday, August 5, at 4:00 PM.