Medina, Ohio — Representative Max Miller, a Republican congressman facing domestic abuse allegations, has resisted calls to withdraw from his re-election race despite a private warning from former President Donald Trump about the potential political consequences. The situation has prompted concern among Republican officials at both the White House and state level as the party seeks to preserve a key House seat ahead of the midterm elections.

According to sources familiar with a confidential call between Trump and Miller on Monday, the former president cautioned Miller that the allegations could hamper his chances of winning but stopped short of demanding he drop out. Miller has since maintained that he plans to remain on the ballot and publicly denied the accusations during an appearance on CNN, where he evoked Trump’s own resilience despite past controversies as motivation for his decision to stay in the race.

The controversy stems from serious claims made by Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who has accused the congressman of various acts of domestic abuse involving her and their toddler daughter. Miller has rejected these allegations, labeling Moreno as mentally unstable and accusing her of stalking and fabricating stories. Court documents describe allegations including holding a gun to Moreno’s head, scalding her with hot water, and causing a fracture to their daughter’s collarbone.

Despite the severity of the accusations, most GOP leaders have refrained from publicly denouncing Miller, even as privately they express concern that the scandal could jeopardize the party’s hold on Ohio’s Seventh Congressional District. The district, although traditionally Republican, is considered competitive this cycle due to rising anti-Trump sentiment nationwide and the candidacy of Democrat Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker with potential appeal among working-class voters.

Republican officials face a tight deadline to remove Miller from the ballot should he choose to exit. Ohio law requires Miller to withdraw by Tuesday to allow a special primary election to select a replacement, or alternatively, to resign by Friday, prompting state party leaders to choose a new candidate by the following Monday. Discussions have been held about possible substitutes, including state Senator Jane Timken, who has declined to pursue the nomination.

Miller has announced plans to launch an ethics investigation into himself and requested that the House Ethics Committee review the allegations. The committee confirmed it is examining claims of domestic violence and possible illegal drug use. Miller has denied involvement with drugs and dismissed suggestions that any fellow Republicans have urged him to withdraw; top figures such as Speaker Mike Johnson have not publicly called for his exit.

The dispute has escalated into a bitter family and political feud, with each side exchanging accusations of misconduct and manipulation. Emily Moreno’s father, Senator Bernie Moreno, has publicly condemned Miller and called him unfit for office. There have also been reports of disputes involving custody and possession of the couple’s child, adding to the contentious environment.

On the ground in the district, the scandal has yet to significantly alter local sentiment. Miller continued active campaigning at a county fair on Monday, where constituents expressed little awareness of the controversy. Local Republican leaders remained largely silent or noncommittal about Miller’s candidacy. Governor Mike DeWine declined to comment on the matter publicly, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the congressman’s denials. Other prominent Republicans weighing competitive races have also stayed quiet.

Behind the scenes, party operatives are reportedly seeking ways to persuade Miller to leave the race, with some believing that only Trump possesses the influence to change Miller’s course. Former Representative Jim Renacci, who once represented much of the district, acknowledged calls about a potential primary challenge but stopped short of endorsing Miller’s withdrawal.

As the ballot deadlines approach, the Republican Party faces increasing pressure to resolve the impasse and safeguard its position in a critical Ohio district amid a fluid and politically charged environment.