The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, due to allegations of domestic abuse connected to his reelection campaign. The committee announced its review on Tuesday, focusing on accusations that Miller may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use violating congressional conduct codes.
The committee clarified that initiating an investigation doesn’t confirm any wrongdoing. Earlier on Tuesday, Miller requested the committee examine the allegations. He expressed this on social media, stating his intention to clear his name of the damaging charges. “In light of renewed interest in my family affairs,” Miller stated, “I am filing my own paperwork for an ethics investigation to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and my family. I have absolutely nothing to hide.”
Miller, seeking his third term in the House, is involved in a contentious custody battle with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. Moreno filed for divorce in 2024 after a two-year marriage, accusing Miller of violent and abusive acts. Court documents allege Miller scalded her with hot water, pushed her against a wall, and once held a gun to her head. It’s also claimed he fractured their young daughter’s collarbone.
Miller denies these allegations. In a recent social media video, he asserted never being physically abusive and denied the gun incident. Miller described the water incident as “horseplay” involving a kitchen sink hose. “My former wife reports serious, destructive allegations with no evidence,” he claimed. Concerning child abuse accusations, Miller stated, “I have never abused our daughter.”
Sen. Moreno reacted strongly to Miller’s video, suggesting he “needs serious psychological help.” Sen. Moreno added, “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter. If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.”
Miller intends to continue his campaign for the northeast Ohio seat, despite pressure to withdraw as Republicans aim to maintain their slim majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Although Miller won the seat in 2024 by a 15-point margin, GOP officials worry the controversy advantages his Democratic opponent, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, in potentially flipping the seat.