Rep. Max Miller Stays in Ohio Race Amid Abuse Allegations and Ethics Probe

Rep. Max Miller reaffirms Ohio House candidacy despite domestic abuse allegations and ethics investigation.

Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, has publicly recommitted to his reelection campaign despite serious allegations of domestic abuse brought by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and two other women. Miller denies these claims and has responded aggressively by filing a defamation lawsuit against Moreno, accusing her and her legal team of a "defamatory campaign" to damage his reputation (Los Angeles Times).

On August 4, 2026, the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Miller’s conduct, examining both the domestic abuse allegations and possible illegal drug use claims stemming from Moreno’s accusations (AP News). Miller has publicly welcomed the probe, asserting he has "absolutely nothing to hide" and even called for the ethics investigation himself (Axios).

The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller's former father-in-law, who condemned Miller’s behavior as "devastating for my daughter and granddaughter" and stated that Miller "fails to meet basic standards for public office." Moreno publicly urged Miller to seek psychological help and questioned his fitness to serve in Congress (AP News).

House Democrats are reportedly weighing the possibility of pushing for Miller's expulsion amid the ongoing allegations and ethics inquiry (Axios), while Miller faces a looming deadline to withdraw from the race by this Wednesday (Axios).

The case remains an active example of how allegations of personal misconduct intersect with political accountability and congressional ethics enforcement, underscoring potential implications for law firms handling related litigation and government policy oversight.

What's next: Rep. Max Miller must decide whether to withdraw from the Ohio House race by Wednesday as the ethics investigation continues.