Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) on Wednesday broke his silence on the domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), urging his fellow Republican to abandon his reelection bid and resign from Congress to prioritize his daughter's welfare.
Husted, who had previously declined to comment on the accusations made by Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, issued a statement on X saying Miller should "step aside as a candidate." He added, "I believe Max would be making the right decision to step aside as a candidate and resign from Congress to focus on what is in the best interest of his daughter."
Miller has vehemently denied the allegations, which include throwing hot water on Moreno, holding a gun to her head, and physically abusing their daughter, causing a broken collarbone. The couple divorced in 2025 and are locked in a contentious custody dispute. The House Ethics Committee is investigating Miller for potential domestic abuse and illegal drug use, but he has vowed to stay in the race despite mounting pressure.
In his statement, Husted expressed sadness that the personal matter has become public, particularly given the impact on the couple's daughter. He noted that both parents seem to agree that the child's best interests should come first, and that those interests "will not be served by litigating these matters in public, but by addressing them privately." Husted suggested Miller would eventually see that stepping down was "the right choice" for his daughter.
The call comes just days before a Monday deadline for Miller to withdraw from the ballot, which would allow local Republican leaders to select a replacement. Husted, who is facing his own competitive reelection against former Sen. Sherrod Brown, has been trailing in recent polls.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Emily's father, has also demanded Miller's resignation, saying his daughter lives "in constant fear of this man." He recounted that his granddaughter would cry at night while staying with him because Miller withheld her blue bunny, a claim Miller disputes. The custody battle over the stuffed animal has become a focal point of the saga.
Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) condemned Miller's actions, calling him "a degenerate sociopath" and urging him to "step aside and seek help." Sheehy warned that staying in the race could cost Republicans the seat and hand Democrats a majority to impeach President Trump.
Miller, however, told CNN he is "never going to give up" and will fight to the end, insisting he will not let his daughter see him quit. He said he will "hold my head way up high, knowing that I fought for the truth."
The controversy has drawn attention from national figures, with Trump warning Miller that his reelection is in peril, and the Democratic Women's Caucus demanding his resignation. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also cast doubt on Miller's future in Congress.
