Calls for Rep. Max Miller’s Resignation Grow Amid Abuse Allegations
An increasing number of Republicans are urging Rep. Max Miller to resign and withdraw from his congressional campaign after abuse allegations by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller, a Republican from Ohio, has denied these allegations which became widely known after he addressed them during a Sunday livestream. This prompted Moreno’s father, Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio, to publicly denounce him. Despite this, Miller insists on pursuing reelection. The senator stated that Miller ‘is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.’
A representative for Ohio’s Secretary of State informed NBC News that the deadline to replace a candidate is August 10. Replacement candidates would be chosen by district county party chairs.
Emily Moreno has alleged that Miller threatened her with a gun, threw her against a wall, and doused her with hot water according to court documents from her lawyer. Miller has not faced charges over these allegations and firmly denies them. He has sued Emily Moreno for defamation after a Daily Mail article on the alleged abuse. Moreno’s lawyers are seeking to dismiss the case.
On Tuesday, Miller requested the House Ethics Committee to investigate the allegations, asserting he has ‘absolutely nothing to hide.’ During a livestream, he denied the assault claims and shared documents he claims verify his innocence. He questioned, ‘Ask yourself: If I had assaulted her, would she have offered to cook me dinner six days later? Would she have invited me to spend an afternoon at the playground with her and our daughter?’
Stefan Mychajliw, Emily Moreno’s spokesperson, stated, ‘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.’ Mychajliw added, ‘There is a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior and no amount of victim shaming will change that.’
The allegations have drawn strong criticism from Democrats and an increasing number of Republicans, some urging Miller to end his reelection bid in Ohio’s 7th congressional district. Miller’s spokesperson declined to comment, and his office and legal team did not respond to requests for comment.
Republican Reactions
Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana commented after Moreno accused Miller of using the senator’s granddaughter’s toy as leverage, an accusation Miller denied. Miller released communications showing efforts to return the toy. Sheehy referenced this situation, posting, ‘What kind of person would treat their daughter this way? This guy is clearly a degenerate sociopath. Max should step aside and seek help.’
When asked if Miller should resign if the allegations proved true, Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio agreed that any Congress member involved in domestic abuse should resign. Husted expressed approval of the House Ethics Committee’s investigation and stated, ‘If he’s guilty of domestic violence, he’s unfit for public office.’ Husted later on X stated, ‘anyone who commits domestic violence is not fit to serve in Congress.’
On Wednesday, Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama recommended Miller resign. She said, ‘When you watch those interviews, if you have ever had anyone in your life that has experienced abuse, they were eerie.’
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas condemned ‘any type of woman abuse.’ Regarding Miller’s resignation, Marshall commented, ‘Based upon what I know, yes. Have I heard his side of the story? No, I have not.’
Other Republicans support Moreno, who claims the last two years have been ‘hell’ for his family. Moreno asserted, ‘He should not serve in the House of Representatives.’
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia told Politico that if Moreno ‘thinks he ought to resign, I’m supportive of that.’ Likewise, Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming mentioned, ‘it would surprise me if Bernie were being untruthful.’ Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska commented that domestic abuse allegations are ‘not what we want in our lawmakers.’