House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) reiterated her support for embattled Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) on Sunday, stating she backs his reelection bid despite allegations of abuse from two former partners. McClain, the third-ranking House Republican, told CBS News’s Face the Nation that she hopes the accusations are untrue but emphasized her party loyalty, saying, ‘I support anybody with an R by their name.’
Miller, who is running for a third term, has denied the allegations and remains in the race. His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, filed for a restraining order in July, alleging he threw boiling water at her, pointed a gun at her head, and caused their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone to fracture. Moreno, daughter of Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno (R), also accused Miller of domestic violence during their divorce proceedings. Miller has denied these claims and sued Moreno for defamation in May.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) echoed McClain’s stance, calling Miller ‘a great member of Congress’ while acknowledging his personal issues. Johnson stated the House Ethics Committee is reviewing the allegations. Miller’s former girlfriend, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, has also accused him of abuse, which he has denied.
McClain’s remarks came as multiple GOP lawmakers, including Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and John Husted (R-Ohio), called for Miller to withdraw from the race. Despite these calls, GOP leadership has stood by Miller, with Johnson framing the issue as a personal matter under review. McClain, meanwhile, framed her support as part of the party’s broader electoral strategy, stating her priority is ‘keeping the House’ in Republican hands ahead of the midterms.
Miller, who first entered Congress in 2023, has continued his campaign against Democrat Brian Poindexter. His reelection bid has drawn scrutiny as Republicans face pressure to address allegations of misconduct within their ranks. The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Miller remains ongoing, with no timeline for a resolution provided.
Miller’s campaign has not publicly addressed the latest allegations beyond his denials. Moreno’s legal filings and Grisham’s accusations remain untested in court, and no criminal charges have been filed against Miller. The Ethics Committee’s review is the only formal proceeding addressing the claims at this time.