Rep. Max Miller says he will loan $1 million to his own re-election campaign in two $500,000 installments even as multiple Republican senators publicly call on him to withdraw following domestic-abuse allegations. Miller denies the accusations, has filed a defamation suit, and says he will request a House Ethics review. President Trump reportedly expressed private concern while publicly calling Miller a "good person." The race in Miller's Ohio district remains politically fraught as he prepares to face challengers including Brian Poindexter.
Ohio Rep. Max Miller Loans $1 Million to Re-Election Bid as GOP Pressure Mounts to Withdraw
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) has agreed to loan $1 million to his own re-election campaign — delivered as two $500,000 installments — even as growing numbers of Republican colleagues publicly urge him to drop his House bid amid serious domestic-abuse allegations, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
Campaign Cash and Controversy
The self-loan would materially strengthen Miller's campaign war chest as questions swirl about his political future. Miller said in a statement to the Journal that he is "invested in this election in every way and I will invest the resources into my campaign to win," and insisted he remains "in this for the long haul." He is expected to face Brook Park city councilman Brian Poindexter in the upcoming contest.
Allegations and Responses
Miller faces allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife and from Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH). The ex-wife's accusations include claims that Miller pointed a gun at her head, threw scalding hot water at her, pushed her into a wall, and that their young daughter's collarbone was fractured. Miller denies the accusations, has filed a defamation lawsuit, and says he will request a House Ethics inquiry into his own conduct.
GOP Reaction
The controversy has prompted rare, public calls from fellow Republicans for Miller to step aside. Sen. Bernie Moreno urged Miller to leave office and "seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake." On Thursday, Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) called on Miller to drop his re-election bid, while Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) described him in harsh terms. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) have also spoken out in recent days.
Outside Reactions and Political Implications
Axios reported that President Donald Trump phoned Miller to express private concern about his re-election prospects, though Trump has publicly referred to Miller as a "good person." As Miller injects significant personal funds into his campaign, the race in his Ohio district remains contested and politically sensitive for the GOP as the allegations and intra-party pressure continue to develop.
Note: This report consolidates recent coverage and statements; Miller's legal case and any ethics review are ongoing.
(Originally reported by The Wall Street Journal; the post first appeared on Mediaite.)
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