Embattled Republican Rep. Max Miller missed a key Wednesday deadline to withdraw from his reelection race, complicating efforts by Republicans to replace him as he faces mounting allegations of abuse that he has strongly denied.
Miller remained in the race beyond the 4 p.m. deadline that would have allowed a special election to determine a new Republican nominee in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. He still has until Aug. 10 to withdraw and allow local Republican officials to select a replacement. If he remains beyond that deadline, the GOP will no longer be able to replace him on the ballot.
The Ohio Republican has indicated that he is struggling with the decision but has publicly vowed not to give in to political pressure. Miller said he wants his young daughter to someday see that he defended himself rather than abandoning his political career over accusations he insists are false.
Miller has faced allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno. Court filings and police reports contain allegations that Miller shoved her during a custody exchange, dumped hot water on her and at one point held a firearm to her head. Miller has denied the allegations and emphasized that he continues to share custody of their 2-year-old daughter.
Questions have also emerged surrounding injuries suffered by the couple’s daughter, including a broken collarbone and what a police report described as an apparent handprint-shaped bruise. Miller has pointed to investigations of the allegations and his continued joint custody as he pushes back against suggestions that he should leave Congress.
Sen. Moreno has publicly called on his former son-in-law to step down, saying Miller is unfit to serve and needs psychological help. Former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, who previously dated Miller and accused him of abuse, has also sought a restraining order against the congressman. Miller previously sued Grisham for defamation over her allegations before the case was settled in 2023.
The controversy is creating political problems for Republicans because Miller represents a district President Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. Recent polling, however, has shown Miller in a tight contest against Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter, who has received the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
President Donald Trump spoke with Miller by phone this week amid reports that he encouraged the congressman to withdraw, though Miller denied that characterization of their conversation. Trump publicly expressed sympathy for Miller while declining to take sides in the family dispute. Miller has since asked the House Ethics Committee to open an investigation into his own conduct as he continues fighting to remain in the race.
With the first withdrawal deadline now passed, Republicans have only a few days remaining before their ability to replace Miller disappears entirely. Unless Miller changes course by Aug. 10, the GOP could be forced to stick with him through November despite a controversy that has transformed what should have been a relatively secure Republican district into a potentially competitive race.
The post Max Miller Misses Key Deadline to Exit Ohio House Race as GOP Replacement Window Narrows appeared first on Real News Now.
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