Democrats are eyeing Rep. Max Miller’s northeastern Ohio seat after renewed scrutiny of domestic-abuse allegations and an escalating legal fight with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller denies the charges and has filed defamation suits; recent filings include a restraining-order request and disputed reports about an injury to the couple’s young child. National Democrats and the House Majority PAC say they are monitoring the race, while Republicans have largely stood by Miller as the ballot-replacement deadline approaches.
Democrats See Path to Flip Ohio Seat as Abuse Allegations Shadow Rep. Max Miller
FILE - Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, walks out of a meeting with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of La., on Capitol Hill, Oct. 11, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Columbus, Ohio — With control of the U.S. House hanging on narrow margins, Democrats say a northeast Ohio congressional seat could be within reach after renewed scrutiny of domestic-abuse allegations against Republican Rep. Max Miller, whose district he carried two years ago with just over 51% of the vote.
Escalating Legal Dispute
The allegations against Miller — who served as a White House adviser during President Donald Trump’s first term — have circulated for years. They have drawn intensified attention recently amid a bitter legal dispute with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). Miller has denied the accusations and has filed defamation lawsuits against Moreno and a second accuser.
Recent Developments
Last week, lawyers for Emily Moreno asked a judge for a temporary restraining order to bar Miller from contacting her attorney, Andrew Zashin. The filing alleges Miller shouted insults at Zashin outside a court hearing last May and physically grabbed him during a separate proceeding this week. The filing also quotes Miller’s lawyer describing his client as someone who "just can't control himself." Miller’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
A recent Mother Jones article added another disputed element: a broken collarbone suffered by the couple’s 2-year-old daughter, which prompted Moreno to contact authorities. Court filings and police reports reviewed by the magazine show the pair offered different accounts of how the injury occurred. Last spring, Miller’s office provided documents to The Associated Press indicating that several child-abuse allegations had been investigated by the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services and were deemed unsubstantiated. Those records are a central piece of competing claims in the public record.
Political Fallout
Democrats have seized on the developments, urging Miller to resign, calling for a congressional ethics investigation and suggesting additional resources could be redirected to the Democratic candidate, union ironworker Brian Poindexter. The House Majority PAC — a super PAC focused on winning a Democratic majority — says it is monitoring the race closely.
FILE - Rep.-elect Max Miller, R-Ohio, arrives for new member orientation check-in and program registration in Washington, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, File)(AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
"HMP is willing to do whatever it takes to take back the House, and nothing is off the table," spokesperson CJ Warnke said.
Republican leaders, however, have largely stood by Miller, arguing he has delivered for his constituents and remains electable. Party strategists and some in the president’s circle are said to be watching the developments carefully as Republicans defend a narrow House majority. The deadline to replace Miller on the ballot was reported to be Wednesday; no Republican has publicly moved to replace him.
Electoral Math And Funding
Political consultants note that the district remains Republican-leaning and was carried decisively by Trump two years ago, but they also say the allegations and legal drama could change the dynamics if Democrats invest heavily. One longtime Republican consultant estimated that roughly $2 million or more would be needed to mount a serious advertising effort across the district’s multiple media markets. The National Republican Congressional Committee declined to say whether it would match any Democratic spending; Miller has significantly outraised Poindexter to date.
Other Lawsuits And Reactions
Earlier this month, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham — who previously alleged Miller abused her while they dated — filed a lawsuit accusing him of violating a confidential settlement and non-disparagement terms. Grisham’s earlier reporting alleged an episode in which Miller pushed her against a wall and struck her; Miller has disputed those accounts and has pursued legal action of his own.
For Poindexter, the Democrat, the allegations create a potential path to an upset if they depress Republican turnout or attract moderate conservatives. "These are serious allegations and deserve the full attention of law enforcement," Poindexter said in a statement. "If all the allegations against Congressman Miller prove to be true, Max Miller should be in jail, not worried about retaining a seat in Congress."
As the campaign heads toward November, the case remains politically charged and legally unsettled, with voters, party strategists and national groups watching closely.
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