Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is seeking to shift the focus of his reelection campaign amid ongoing allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife and intensified by his Democratic opponent. The congressman’s campaign recently released a new advertisement addressing the personal and political controversy, while continuing to deny claims of abuse.
Emily Moreno, Miller’s ex-wife, has accused him in court filings of physical abuse, including throwing hot water on her and threatening her with a firearm. Moreno also alleges Miller harmed their 2-year-old daughter, who sustained a fractured collarbone in February. Miller has denied all accusations, and a local law enforcement investigation failed to determine the cause of the injury. The county child welfare agency stated that abuse may have occurred but could not identify a responsible party. Prosecutors later concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
Miller’s new ad portrays him in a subdued domestic setting, emphasizing the emotional toll of divorce and framing the public airing of his private struggles as politically motivated. He highlights the ongoing custody arrangement with Moreno but does not directly mention his Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, although on-screen text accuses Poindexter of lying in campaign advertisements. Miller and Moreno finalized their divorce last year, but the custody dispute remains unresolved.
Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, encompassing areas south of Cleveland, was considered a Republican stronghold but has become a key target for Democrats aiming to gain seats in the upcoming House elections. Democrats have invested heavily in television ads spotlighting the abuse allegations against Miller. Poindexter’s campaign has run multiple spots referencing the claims, including one featuring Moreno accusing Miller of withholding the child’s favorite toy.
The controversy has drawn attention from prominent figures in Ohio politics. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Miller’s former father-in-law and a Trump ally, publicly called Miller “a danger” and said he should not remain in Congress. Senator John Husted (R-Ohio) urged Miller to resign to protect his daughter’s welfare. Conversely, Shannon Burns, chairman of the Strongsville GOP, dismissed the allegations as “outlandish,” asserting that Miller retains voter support and that such claims would likely have legal consequences if true.
Miller filed a defamation lawsuit against Moreno in May and requested a House Ethics Committee investigation into the matter, expressing confidence that the process would exonerate him. The committee has yet to release findings.
Miller has also highlighted Poindexter’s previous arrests for drug possession and assault in recent campaign advertising. The Republican congressman, first elected in 2022, has maintained the backing of former President Donald Trump.
The developments in Ohio’s 7th District echo similar situations in other states, including Texas, where Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton is facing scrutiny amid divorce and infidelity allegations from his estranged wife Angela Paxton, who has publicly supported the Republican ticket without directly naming her husband.
As Election Day approaches, the race remains highly competitive, underscored by the ongoing ethical and legal questions surrounding Miller’s personal conduct.