Quick Summary: Sen. Bernie Moreno said he "doesn't know" whether Rep. Max Miller should resign after Moreno's daughter, Emily, accused Miller of multiple acts of domestic violence, including allegedly breaking their child's collarbone. Miller denies the allegations and has filed a defamation suit. Republican leaders have largely either stayed silent or continued support — including a public endorsement from President Trump — while officials urge voters to consider the facts amid ongoing litigation.
Bernie Moreno Says 'I Don't Know' If Rep. Max Miller Should Resign After Daughter's Abuse Allegations
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Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio declined to say whether Rep. Max Miller — the ex-husband of Moreno's daughter, Emily Moreno — should step down after Emily accused Miller of domestic violence and of breaking the couple's child's collarbone.
When asked by political outlet NOTUS on Friday, July 31 whether Miller should be replaced in a closely contested race that could affect control of the U.S. House, Moreno replied simply, "I don't know."
Court records obtained by Mother Jones and The New York Times allege multiple instances of abuse: Emily, who filed for divorce in 2024, says Miller threw hot water on her, held a gun to her head, pushed her with enough force to cause injury and broke their daughter's collarbone. Miller has strongly denied the allegations and, according to The Guardian, has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
Republican reaction has been mixed. Many GOP officials have either remained silent or continued to express public support for Miller. A spokesperson for Senator Moreno, Raagan McCarthy, told NOTUS: "While we won't dignify these baseless attacks by Democrats and their media allies, Senator Moreno will not speak on active litigation involving his family."
"The key word here is 'allegation,'" Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said when reporters asked about the claims.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine described the allegations as "serious and certainly troubling," but said voters in Miller's district would have to "weigh the facts," stopping short of urging resignation or withdrawal.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Senator Bernie Moreno speaks onstage during the Puck Power Breakfast at Riggs Washington D.C. on February 05, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Puck) Getty Images
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Miller in May, giving him a "complete and total endorsement" and saying Miller "will not let you down." The report noted Trump's own history of highly publicized misconduct allegations and related legal judgments.
Observers say the Miller case fits a pattern this year of candidates across the political spectrum facing serious misconduct allegations. In recent months, Democratic candidate Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's Senate race amid accusations he denies, and former Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended a gubernatorial bid and later left Congress amid separate misconduct allegations.
Public reaction appears to break largely along partisan lines. A recent Politico poll indicated that many voters aligned with former President Trump would still support a Republican candidate even after accusations by a former partner — underscoring how partisanship shapes responses to such claims.
What happens next: The allegations are the subject of ongoing litigation and reporting. Lawmakers and voters in Miller's district will continue to weigh the allegations, the competing legal claims, and the potential political consequences as the race progresses.
Reporting referenced: Mother Jones, The New York Times, The Guardian, NOTUS.
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