Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio will remain the GOP nominee in the state’s 7th Congressional District after a key deadline passed without his withdrawal, effectively locking him into the November election.
Under Ohio election law, Republicans had until Monday at 4 p.m. to name a replacement nominee if Miller had withdrawn by Saturday evening. However, Miller did not withdraw, leaving the party without a path to replace him on the ballot. Ohio law requires at least two days’ notice for a replacement meeting, meaning Miller would have needed to step aside by Saturday to meet the deadline.
Miller has denied allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who has accused him of physical violence against her and their young daughter. Miller has not faced criminal charges related to the allegations and has called for the House Ethics Committee to investigate the claims. His spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Miller’s father-in-law, Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, publicly called him a "danger" last weekend and urged him to resign, citing concerns for his granddaughter’s safety. Republican Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio also joined calls for Miller to step down. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have continued to support Miller’s reelection bid.
The controversy intensified after Miller posted a livestream denying the allegations, prompting Sen. Moreno to publicly denounce his behavior. Emily Moreno’s lawyers released documents alleging Miller threw her against a wall, held a gun to her head, and threw hot water on her. Miller has sued his ex-wife for defamation, and her legal team has moved to dismiss the lawsuit.
The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation last week into whether Miller may have engaged in domestic violence or illegal drug use. Miller has stated he has "absolutely nothing to hide" and invited scrutiny.
Miller is now positioned to face Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter in November. The district has historically favored Republicans, but the GOP is working to preserve its narrow House majority. Republicans have no remaining legal or procedural avenue to remove Miller from the ballot without his voluntary withdrawal.
Key Deadlines and Actions:
- Saturday deadline: Miller would have needed to withdraw by this date to allow Republicans time to select a replacement.
- Monday 4 p.m. deadline: Final deadline for Republicans to certify a replacement nominee.
- House Ethics Committee: Investigating allegations of domestic violence and potential illegal drug use.
- Legal disputes: Miller has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife; her legal team seeks to dismiss it.
Political Reactions:
- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind.: Told NBC News’ Meet the Press that Miller should drop out "if the allegations are true," citing concerns about the House majority.
- Sen. Bernie Moreno: Called Miller a "danger to my daughter" and urged his resignation.
- President Trump and House Speaker Johnson: Have publicly supported Miller’s reelection campaign.