Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) stated during a livestream on Sunday that he will not withdraw his name from the November ballot despite facing allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller asserted, "I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November."
The allegations against Miller include claims of assault and verbal threats, detailed in court documents filed by Moreno. These documents allege that Miller scalded Moreno with hot water, shoved her against a wall, and held a gun to her head. Miller has denied these allegations as well as claims of violence against other women.
Calls for Miller's withdrawal have emerged from several Republican lawmakers, including his ex-father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, who expressed concerns for his daughter's safety. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Sen. Roger Marshall also voiced their support for Miller's resignation.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus has called for an official House Ethics investigation, while Miller has requested an investigation into his conduct, stating on social media, "I have absolutely nothing to hide."
Ohio law requires that if a primary winner is to be replaced on the ballot, the candidate must withdraw by 4 p.m. on the eighty-sixth day before the general election. This deadline falls next Monday. If Miller withdraws by then, a special election will be held to name a new Republican candidate; if he withdraws afterward but before August 10, local party officials will select his replacement.
The seat is considered important for Republicans, who currently hold a slim majority in the House. Concerns about the implications of the allegations on the election have been expressed by former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and President Trump, who reportedly conveyed worries to Miller about his campaign's viability.