Allegations and Public Demands
A number of Republicans have called for Rep. Max Miller to step down from office and halt his congressional campaign amidst allegations of abuse. These claims were made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Although Miller, a Republican from Ohio, has denied these allegations, they garnered attention after being addressed during a Sunday livestream. This prompted a public denouncement from Moreno’s father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, also a Republican from Ohio. Despite the pressure, Miller continues to pursue his reelection bid, even as Bernie warned that Miller poses a risk to his daughter and granddaughter.
According to a spokesperson for Ohio’s Secretary of State, the deadline to replace Miller as a candidate is August 10. The selection of a replacement candidate would be managed by county party chairs within the district.
Emily Moreno has claimed that Miller threatened her with a gun, was physically aggressive, and scalded her with hot water, as outlined in court documents provided by her attorney. Miller has not faced any criminal charges and continues to refute the accusations, even filing a defamation lawsuit against Emily Moreno following a Daily Mail report. In turn, Emily’s lawyers have sought to dismiss the lawsuit.
Miller’s Defense and Investigation
Miller sought an inquiry by the House Ethics Committee into the abuse claims, suggesting transparency. On Sunday, during a livestream, he denied the physical assault allegations, presenting documents in support of his stance. He questioned the coherence of the accusations, asking if Emily would maintain friendly interactions post-alleged assault.
“If I had assaulted her, would she have offered to make me dinner six days later?” he asked. “Would she have invited me to a playground visit with our daughter?”
Emily Moreno’s spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, criticized Miller’s response, dismissing it as misleading and disparaging. He referenced existing evidence of Miller’s alleged violent behavior.
Political Repercussions
The allegations have resulted in significant backlash from various political quarters. An increasing number of Republicans are publicly urging Miller to withdraw from Ohio’s 7th congressional district race.
Sen. Tim Sheehy from Montana commented on an incident involving a toy, where Miller was accused of holding a plush bunny toy belonging to his granddaughter. Miller denied the allegation, providing screenshots implying coordination efforts for the toy’s return, stressing an agreed plan with Bernie Moreno.
“What kind of person treats their child this way?” Sheehy stated. “Max should withdraw and seek support to stop risking the seat and becoming a liability in broader political contexts.”
Opinions from Fellow Republicans
Sen. Jon Husted, also from Ohio, emphasized that any congressional member proved to have committed domestic abuse should resign. He commended the Ethics Committee’s investigation, suggesting its results would determine Miller’s future in Congress.
Other Republican senators voiced their condemnation. Sen. Katie Britt from Alabama advised that after reviewing the allegations and related media, resigning would be the prudent choice for Miller, affirming her solidarity with the Moreno family.
Moreover, senators like Roger Marshall from Kansas, while not fully briefed on Miller’s narrative, expressed confidence in Bernie Moreno’s character, aligning with the need for accountability.
Among others, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia supported Moreno’s call for resignation, aligning herself with Bernie Moreno’s stance. Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Sen. Lisa Murkowski shared similar sentiments, expressing disapproval of any abusive actions attributed to a legislator.