Ohio Congressman Max Miller refused to drop out of his re-election race amid domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, prompting a public rebuke from his father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, as a deadline loomed to replace him on the ballot.
Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller has vowed to remain in his re-election race despite escalating domestic abuse allegations, a decision that has intensified scrutiny of his personal and political life as a key election deadline approaches. The controversy centers on claims from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who is the daughter of U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and includes allegations of physical abuse, custody disputes, and a bitter public feud that has drawn national attention.
Miller Denies Allegations, Calls for Privacy
In a livestream on X on August 2, 2026, Miller defended himself against accusations of abusing his ex-wife and their daughter, stating, I’m not getting out of this race, and I’m winning in November.
He denied allegations of physical violence, calling them “accusations” without substantiation. Miller emphasized that no court or government agency had confirmed the claims, citing a child-welfare agency’s determination that two reports of abuse were unsubstantiated.
The congressman also addressed claims that he caused a 2-year-old daughter’s broken collarbone, which Emily Moreno alleged occurred during his custody. Miller denied causing the injury, stating that medical records suggested the marks resembled those from a car-seat strap. He reiterated that no criminal charges had been filed and that police had concluded there was insufficient admissible evidence
to pursue a case.
Moreno Condemns Miller Publicly for the First Time
Senator Bernie Moreno, whose daughter is Emily Moreno, publicly denounced Miller for the first time, calling him “a danger” to his family and unfit for office. In a social-media post, Moreno wrote, If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives.
Moreno, who had previously sought to keep the matter private, stated that Miller’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior
forced him to speak out. He described the past two years as “pure hell” for his family, citing the public scrutiny of his granddaughter’s custody. I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter,
he wrote. The statement came days before Ohio’s August 10 deadline to replace Miller on the ballot, which could trigger a special election if he withdraws.
Moreno’s spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, criticized Miller’s livestream as a bizarre and lie-filled rant
and accused him of using their daughter as a “PR pawn.” Emily Moreno has alleged in court filings that Miller assaulted her during their marriage, including an incident where he allegedly threw hot water from a skillet. Miller denied the claims, calling the incident “horseplay” and stating he never intended to hurt her.
Legal and Political Implications
The legal situation remains unresolved, with police concluding there was insufficient admissible evidence
to file charges. However, Emily Moreno has filed multiple custody disputes, and Miller has sued her for defamation. The case has drawn attention due to its personal and political stakes, with Miller’s re-election bid now hinging on how the allegations are perceived by voters in Ohio’s 7th congressional district, a region that backed President Trump by 11 percentage points in 2024.
However, the party’s ability to nominate a successor is constrained by Ohio’s August 10 deadline, which could force a special election if Miller withdraws after that date.
President Trump’s response to the allegations was measured. When asked about Miller on Air Force One, he said, I’m gonna look at it.
I mean, so far, it’s accusations.
I’ll be looking at.
What’s Next for Miller and the Race?
The immediate focus is on the August 10 deadline, which could determine whether Miller remains on the ballot. If he stays, the race will likely center on his ability to weather the allegations and maintain support among Ohio’s conservative voters. Democrats, meanwhile, have intensified pressure on Miller, with calls for a congressional ethics investigation and increased support for his opponent, union ironworker Brian Poindexter.
Miller’s legal and political future remains uncertain. While he has not faced criminal charges, the allegations continue to shape public perception. As the race heats up, the outcome could hinge on how voters weigh his personal conduct against his political record and endorsements.
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