Ohio Congressman Max Miller Faces Pressure Amid Abuse Allegations

Several Republican figures are being discussed as possible replacements for Representative Max Miller in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. The embattled congressman faces pressure over abuse allegations, which he denies.

Miller, a two-term congressman and former White House aide under President Donald Trump, has been involved in a contentious legal dispute with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. He has categorically denied allegations that he abused her or their young daughter, and he has not been charged with a crime related to the accusations.

A spokesperson for Miller was reached by Newsweek via email outside regular office hours on Tuesday.

Bernie Moreno Calls for Resignation

Senator Bernie Moreno and his ex-son-in-law exchanged attacks on social media over the weekend. Moreno stated that Miller “should not serve in the House of Representatives.” Miller retaliated, accusing Moreno of having political motives.

Miller released a statement to Newsweek on Monday, saying: “I have never spoken publicly about Senator Moreno until he made defamatory and false statements about me. I have had several private conversations with him concerning his daughter’s mental health, and he knows what she is alleging is not true. I am not concerned with him and his need to churn the rumor mill right now. I am speaking up to set the record straight about my family.”

A number of Republican lawmakers have publicly backed Moreno or voiced concern after the comments. These remarks come just days before a Wednesday ballot deadline in Ohio.

Miller has until Wednesday to withdraw from the ballot, which would allow Republicans to hold a swift replacement primary for his Cleveland-area House seat.

In response to reports that multiple GOP senators backed calls for his resignation, Miller wrote: “Every accusation thrown my way has been found unsubstantiated by the court system as well as mine and my ex-wife’s court-appointed mediator, who is a psychologist and mandatory reporter.”

Potential GOP Replacements Considered

Several Republicans are being considered as replacements if Miller decides to step aside. Sources indicate that the party is considering multiple candidates, such as State Representative Mike Dovilla of Berea, a U.S. Navy veteran and former presidential appointee to the Office of Personnel Management. Others include former U.S. Representative Jim Renacci of Wadsworth, who previously represented parts of Northeast Ohio in Congress, State Representative Melanie Miller of Ashland, and former State Senator Kevin Coughlin of Bath Township.

Renacci told Axios he may consider running for the seat if Miller exits the race. In a phone interview on Monday night, Renacci highlighted his political network and familiarity in the area. “I still know a lot of people, and I still have good name recognition,” he said.

“I’m getting calls from everybody,” Renacci mentioned. “Many people have asked me to consider, if he did step out, if I would be interested, only because it’s my old seat.” However, Renacci added, “I truly don’t believe Max is leaving. I think Max is going to stay in the race.”

President Trump has commented on the situation, saying, “I know Max, he’s a good person…and I’m going to let the families figure that out.” Trump described the event as “a very sad thing” and emphasized it’s “accusations” that need resolution.

The Wall Street Journal stated that Trump warned Miller in a Monday phone call that his reelection bid would be challenging, repeatedly telling him the contest would be “tough” and “a really hard one.” According to sources familiar with the matter quoted by the Journal, Miller asked Trump for a public statement of support. Though, Miller stated Trump was supportive over the phone.

Miller’s Strong Denial of Accusations

Miller appeared on social media in a livestream Sunday, firmly denying the allegations made by his ex-wife. He pledged to remain in his reelection campaign while countering mounting scrutiny.

“I’ve been portrayed as an abusive husband, an abusive father, and a violent man. Those allegations have damaged my reputation, caused immense pain to my family, and, most importantly, affected our daughter,” Miller said.

He emphasized that “no court” and “no agency” had substantiated claims against him, saying no criminal charges were filed. He also shared documents related to the allegations and litigation, produced by personal attorneys, for public review.

In a statement provided to Newsweek on Sunday, Moreno’s spokesperson Stefan Mychajliw remarked, “It is shameful that Max Miller decided to go on a bizarre and lie-filled rant about his ex-wife to desperately try to save his political career.” Moreno’s camp insists there is documented evidence of Miller’s violent behavior, denouncing his response as “despicable and abhorrent.”

For further details, Newsweek editors Tobias Meyjes and Robert Greenall can be contacted.