Growing Calls for Rep. Max Miller to Resign Amid Abuse Allegations

A significant number of Republicans are urging Rep. Max Miller to resign from office and leave his congressional campaign after abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller, a Republican from Ohio, denies these allegations. He addressed them during a Sunday livestream, which led Moreno’s father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, also a Republican from Ohio, to publicly denounce him.

Miller insists on continuing his reelection bid. Sen. Moreno expressed concern about his daughter’s safety, stating, “Miller is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.” Ohio’s Secretary of State office informed NBC News that the deadline to replace a candidate is August 10, a decision that would involve district county party chairs.

Emily Moreno accused Miller of severe domestic violence, including holding a gun to her head, physical assault, and throwing hot water on her. These allegations are documented in court papers filed by her lawyer. Although Miller has not been charged with any crimes related to these claims, he denies them and has sued Emily Moreno for defamation following a report about the abuse allegations.

Despite the accusations, Miller called for a House Ethics Committee investigation, asserting he has nothing to hide. During a Sunday livestream, he contested his ex-wife’s claims, presenting documents to support his innocence. “If I had assaulted her, would she invite me to spend an afternoon at the playground with our daughter?” he questioned.

Stefan Mychajliw, a spokesperson for Emily Moreno, condemned Miller’s actions as “bizarre and lie-filled.” Mychajliw emphasized a history of violent behavior by Miller and accused him of victim shaming. The allegations have drawn condemnation not only from Democrats but also from a growing group of Republicans calling for Miller’s withdrawal from the 7th district race.

The controversy extended to a personal family issue, with Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., criticizing Miller for allegedly withholding his granddaughter’s toy. Miller denied this, sharing communications to coordinate the toy’s return.

Sheehy and others labeled Miller as a “degenerate sociopath” and urged him to step aside. Sheehy also highlighted the political risk of maintaining his candidacy, as it might enable a Democratic victory threatening a Republican majority.

Within the Republican party, opinions continue to diverge. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and welcomed the Ethics Committee’s investigation. Yet, Husted refrained from demanding an immediate withdrawal from Miller while stating that any member involved in domestic abuse should resign.

Other senators, including Katie Britt and Roger Marshall, also voiced support for the resignation. Britt emphasized the importance of supporting Moreno and her family. Marshall, while acknowledging he had not heard directly from Miller, trusted Moreno’s family’s integrity.

Many Republicans express solidarity with Moreno, who described the past two years as “hell” for his family. Moreno asserted, “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.” He called for Miller’s resignation from Congress.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito expressed a willingness to support Moreno’s stance without having extensive personal knowledge of Miller. Similarly, Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Sen. Lisa Murkowski highlighted the inappropriateness of abuse allegations among lawmakers, reinforcing the calls for accountability.