Ohio GOP Rep. Max Miller Stays in Race as Replacement Deadline Passes
Ohio Rep. Max Miller will remain on the November ballot despite abuse claims, complicating GOP midterm plans in a competitive district.
Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio has confirmed he will remain a candidate in the state's 7th Congressional District, ignoring calls from within his own party to withdraw. The decision came as Monday's deadline to replace him on the general election ballot passed without action.
Miller faces public allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and at least two other women. While both of Ohio's senators — including his former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno — urged him to exit the race, former President Donald Trump did not. Trump, who employed Miller as a senior aide during his first term, called him "a good person" and suggested the legal dispute was a private family matter.
The congressman has acknowledged the race will be difficult. In a recent interview, he said Trump warned him that staying in would mean a tough campaign. Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters said the party would support its nominees but stopped short of promising financial backing for Miller.
Miller's Democratic challenger is Brian Poindexter, a 46-year-old union ironworker and Brook Park city councilman. Poindexter has campaigned on economic issues and secured endorsements from several major unions, including the Ironworkers International, United Auto Workers, and the Ohio AFL-CIO. He has framed his campaign around a promise to "serve with honor" and criticized Miller for keeping his ex-wife in the public spotlight.
The district, located just south of Cleveland, leans Republican on paper — roughly 55% to 44% — and Trump carried it comfortably in the last presidential election. However, Miller won his previous race with only 51% of the vote in a three-way contest. That narrow margin has made the seat an unexpected target for Democratic groups, who are now weighing whether to invest in the race.
Miller has said he is confident in his standing with constituents and has pledged to spend his own money on the campaign, including a reported $1 million infusion. He has not commented publicly on the latest developments.
Democratic campaign committees and allied super PACs were still assessing the race as of Monday, deciding whether to add it to their list of spending priorities for the midterms.