Congressman Accused of Violence Against Wife and Daughter Refuses to Drop Candidacy

Republican Congressman Max Miller of Ohio refuses to withdraw his candidacy for a third term despite serious allegations by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, of violence against her and their toddler daughter. The political crisis threatens the Republicans' fragile House majority, and former President Trump, who spoke with Miller by phone, has stopped short of demanding his withdrawal. Ohio's 7th District, a historically Republican stronghold, is now at risk.

The Republican Party in the U.S. is in the midst of a political and personal storm that threatens its fragile majority in the House of Representatives. At the center of the storm is Ohio Congressman Max Miller, who refuses to step aside despite serious allegations by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, of severe violence against her and their toddler daughter. According to reports in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, the conflict has become a public battle between two powerful political families in Ohio, even drawing in former President Donald Trump. Emily Moreno, daughter of Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, accuses Miller of having pointed a gun at her head during their marriage, pouring boiling water on her, and causing a fracture in the collarbone of their two-year-old daughter while she was under his care. Miller, 37, denies the allegations, claims his ex-wife suffers from mental instability, and accuses her of lies, stalking, and attempting to destroy his career. He says child welfare services investigated the abuse claims and found them baseless. Pressure on Miller to withdraw has reached the highest levels. President Donald Trump held a special phone call with Miller, a former close adviser. In the call, Trump warned the congressman that the allegations would make it very difficult for him to win the midterm elections but stopped short of explicitly demanding he withdraw. Miller immediately made clear he has no intention of giving up the race for a third term. Trump, who publicly endorsed Miller last May, has not yet withdrawn his official support. The tension between Miller and the Moreno family has spilled into the Capitol corridors. Senator Moreno issued a sharp statement, claiming his former son-in-law is unfit for public office and describing the situation as "the seventh circle of hell." Moreno also claimed Miller refused to return the toddler's beloved blue bunny doll. Miller demanded the Ethics Committee open an investigation into him to clear his name and denied the bunny story. For the party, the main concern is now political rather than personal. Ohio's 7th District has historically been a safe Republican stronghold. However, in light of the serious scandal, the seat is now clearly at risk. If Miller does not withdraw in the coming days before the legally set deadline, the party will not be able to replace him on the ballot. The opposing Democratic candidate, labor activist Brian Poindexter, could exploit this to attract working-class votes and turn the important southern district into a surprising and resounding Democratic victory.