Overview: Ohio Congressman Max Miller has denied abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her father, Senator Bernie Moreno, and says he will remain in the race. The House Ethics Committee has opened a formal investigation after police reports and court documents cited alleged physical abuse and a toddler's fractured clavicle. Miller has filed defamation suits, faces a new restraining-order filing tied to Stephanie Grisham, and trails in internal GOP polling as legal and political processes continue.
Max Miller Vows To Stay in Race as House Ethics Probe Opens Over Abuse Allegations
[Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller, 37, has publicly rejected a series of abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and Moreno's father, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, and said he will not withdraw from his re-election bid ahead of the filing deadline.
Allegations and Official Complaints
Court documents and police reports obtained by multiple news organisations allege incidents that include Moreno saying Miller threw her against a wall, held a gun to her head and that the couple's toddler sustained a fractured clavicle. A police report cited by CBS also records the child as saying, after returning from Miller's care, "Daddy kill you." Senator Bernie Moreno has urged Miller to leave Congress, calling for professional help to address a "clear pattern of abuse."
Miller's Response
Miller has strongly denied the allegations. He has described the accusations as "rumourmills without evidence," retained joint custody of his daughter and filed a defamation suit against his ex-wife. Speaking to CNN, he said he would not step down and offered to cooperate with an inquiry:
"I am never going to give up. I will never ever let my baby girl see her daddy walk away as a quitter."
He also acknowledged past illicit drug use "several years ago" and said he has used testosterone replacement therapy legally when prescribed.
Stephanie Grisham had a relationship with Miller [Getty Images]
Legal And Political Fallout
On Tuesday the House Ethics Committee formally launched an investigation; the committee's review can take months. The allegations and lawsuits have escalated as Miller approaches the state deadline to file for re-election for Ohio's 7th District. Internal Republican polling reported to media outlets shows Miller trailing Democratic nominee Brian Poindexter by about five percentage points.
Miller also faces a newly filed restraining order this week linked to Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary with whom he had a relationship in 2019–20. Grisham previously accused an unnamed ex of abuse in a 2021 Washington Post op‑ed; disputes between her and Miller have spawned multiple legal claims, including defamation suits and a separate allegation that Miller breached a settlement.
Context And Next Steps
Miller said former President Donald Trump called him and expressed doubts about his chances, recounting that Trump told him, "I don't know if you're going to be able to pull this one out." Miller said he pushed back and insisted he would prevail. The House Ethics Committee inquiry and pending civil actions will likely unfold over months, while the political calendar moves forward toward November's midterms.
Note: The BBC has contacted Miller's office and Moreno's attorney for comment. This article summarizes reported allegations and Miller's public responses; allegations have not been proven in court.
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