Republican unease is mounting over the political fallout from domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), with party operatives and lawmakers privately voicing concerns about his ability to hold onto a seat that should be safely Republican. The allegations, made by his ex-wife Emily Moreno, have been amplified by her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), who publicly called for Miller to resign.
According to a GOP source familiar with internal discussions, leadership aides have grown more worried after a series of weekend developments, including a livestream by Miller defending himself and a scathing social media post from Senator Moreno. They have been in touch with Miller's team to offer support, though some are questioning whether there is still time to replace him on the ballot.
The political stakes are high. Democrats are increasingly bold in raising the allegations, eyeing an upset in a district that former President Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. A poll conducted by a Republican firm last week, reported by NOTUS, showed Miller trailing his Democratic challenger, ironworker Brian Poindexter, by five points—44 percent to 39 percent—with 16 percent undecided. The Hill has not independently verified that poll.
Miller and Moreno divorced in 2025 and have been locked in a bitter custody dispute over their young daughter. Moreno has accused Miller of throwing scalding water at her, holding a gun to her head, and breaking the child's collarbone. Miller has denied all allegations, calling them false and part of a campaign to destroy him. He filed a defamation lawsuit against Moreno in May and has pointed to her mental health struggles.
During a Sunday livestream on X, Miller insisted he is innocent and said no court has validated the accusations. He posted audio recordings and documents that he says support his defense. He also declared he will not drop out of the race, telling The Hill, "If I dropped out of this race it would mean we as a nation have fallen so far from our American values. I will not validate false claims by removing myself just to please the court of public opinion."
Senator Bernie Moreno's call for resignation came in a blistering statement: "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them." The senator's intervention has intensified GOP concerns, but most House Republicans have remained silent, with Speaker Mike Johnson noting that "the key word there is allegation" and deferring to the House Ethics Committee, which has not confirmed any investigation.
President Trump has offered Miller a lifeline, declining to call for his resignation and saying, "I know Max. He's a good person." However, Axios reported that Trump called Miller and told him "things aren't looking good," repeatedly warning that the race would be tough. Miller reportedly told Trump he is staying in the race.
If Miller were to withdraw before Aug. 4, Ohio law would require a special primary. After that date, the GOP county party chairs in the district would select a replacement by Aug. 10. J.R. Majewski, a controversial figure who lost to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) in 2022, has offered himself as a replacement, but Republicans view him as unlikely to be viable.
The situation is a distraction for the GOP in a critical election year, forcing party leaders to spend time and resources on a seat that should be safe. As the public battle continues, the question of whether Miller can survive politically remains open, with the party's silence speaking volumes.
