Ohio Representative Max Miller is facing mounting pressure to step down from his congressional race after allegations of domestic abuse emerged during an ongoing custody battle. His former wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of scalding her with hot water and threatening her with a gun while they were married. Moreno also claimed that Miller broke their toddler daughter’s collarbone, which led to authorities being contacted.
Miller has denied all of these claims in a livestream video posted on X, where he also said he would not drop out of the race for reelection. In the video, he stated that no court or agency has ever substantiated any allegations of abuse against him. Miller also said he had no involvement in the incident that caused their daughter’s injury.
He released a large set of documents, audio clips, and video footage related to the custody dispute in support of his position. The former couple married in 2022 and have been involved in a custody battle since 2024 over their two-year-old daughter. A defamation lawsuit filed by Miller against Emily Moreno included testimony from her that he threw hot water at her.
The allegations have drawn strong reactions from political figures and members of the public alike. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, who is Emily Moreno’s father, publicly criticized Miller and said he should not be in Congress. Moreno said that he hopes to keep the matter private but Miller’s behavior has forced him to speak out.
He added that Miller needs serious psychological help and that the standards required for elected office are not met by him. Moreno’s statement came after a long silence on the specific allegations, which have been public for years. He said he chose to speak the truth now because it is owed to his wife, daughter, and granddaughter.
Democratic lawmakers have called for Miller to resign and have requested a congressional ethics investigation into the matter. Some potential Republican candidates are watching the situation closely, as Miller’s seat is now considered vulnerable. Miller won his previous election with just over 51% of the vote in 2023.
The situation has intensified as Miller’s political allies, including former President Donald Trump, have not publicly commented on the allegations. Trump has said he will be looking at the matter but did not directly address Miller’s conduct or his potential resignation. The controversy has raised questions about accountability and standards for public officials in the face of personal misconduct claims.
It remains unclear whether Miller will continue to campaign or if pressure will force him to step aside before the November election. The race for the 7th congressional district in northeast Ohio is now seen as a potential opening for Democrats. Supporters of Emily Moreno have urged the public to consider how these allegations affect her family and the broader issue of domestic abuse in politics.
The case has drawn attention not only to Miller’s personal conduct but also to the responsibilities of public officials in handling such sensitive matters. As the race moves forward, many are watching closely to see how this situation will develop and what impact it may have on the upcoming election.
IMAGE: Rep. Max Miller official photo, 118th Congress. Photo: United States Congress / Wikimedia, taken 2023-01-03, Public domain