Republican Rep. Max Miller says he will stay in Congress and pursue reelection in Ohio despite court documents and police interviews in which his ex‑wife, Emily Moreno, alleges serious domestic abuse, including being doused with scalding water and threatened with a gun. Miller denies the allegations and insists he will "win in November," while his former father‑in‑law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, publicly called him a danger who needs "psychological help." The race has tightened against Democrat Brian Poindexter, and GOP strategists worry the scandal could depress turnout as the ballot‑removal deadline approaches.
Rep. Max Miller Refuses to Quit After Ex‑Wife’s Abuse Allegations; Father‑in‑Law Calls Him a Danger
MAGA Rep. Digs in as Ex-Father-in-Law Senator Says He Needs ‘Psychological Help’
Republican Rep. Max Miller said he will remain in Congress and continue his reelection campaign in Ohio despite serious allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex‑wife, Emily Moreno. The claims—detailed in court documents and police interviews obtained by multiple outlets—have broken through initial GOP silence and put a once‑safe Republican seat at risk as the ballot‑removal deadline approaches.
Allegations Detailed in Court Records
According to the filings and interview records, Emily Moreno alleges a pattern of physical and threatening behavior by Miller, including being doused with scalding water, having a gun held to her head during an argument, and repeated instances of hitting and shoving. Last week she filed a new petition for a restraining order that also accuses Miller of repeatedly harassing her attorney and making physical contact with him during a recent hearing. All allegations are described in court and police records; Miller has denied them.
Miller’s Response
In a livestream addressing the accusations, the two‑term congressman insisted he will not step down. "I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November," Miller said, disputing the timeline of events and denying he ever harmed his daughter.
Family Rebuke and Political Fallout
"Our priority has always been protecting our daughter and our granddaughter... Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter," Sen. Bernie Moreno wrote in a sharply worded statement after Miller's livestream, urging Miller to seek professional help and saying he should not serve in the House.
Sen. Moreno's public denunciation — notable because he is the father of the alleged victim and Miller's former father‑in‑law — escalated the controversy. Miller pushed back on social media, calling the timing political.
Electoral Stakes
The contest, once seen as safely Republican, has tightened: Miller is now nearly even with Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter. GOP strategists, according to a Politico report, fear the scandal could depress Republican turnout and harm other down‑ticket races. Some operatives likened the situation to recent races that collapsed under similar allegations.
Party Reaction
Despite the family rebuke, many Republican figures have continued to back Miller. Former President Donald Trump dismissed the charges as "allegations" when asked about whether Miller should resign.
What Happens Next: With the deadline to remove Miller from the Ohio midterm ballot looming on Wednesday, party officials face a fast‑moving decision point. Whether the mounting allegations will force a withdrawal, a primary challenge, or sustained political damage remains unsettled.
Note: This article reports allegations described in court documents and police interviews. The accused denies these claims, and no criminal conviction is referenced here.
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