US congressman refuses to drop re-election bid over ex-wife's abuse claims

August 5, 2026

Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller is refusing to withdraw from his re-election campaign despite facing serious domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife Emily Moreno and criticism from her father, Senator Bernie Moreno. Emily Moreno has accused Miller of physical violence against her and their two-year-old daughter, including throwing her against a wall and fracturing their child's collarbone, with allegations supported by court documents and police reports. Miller firmly denies all accusations, characterizing them as baseless attacks, and has sued his ex-wife for defamation while voluntarily requesting a congressional ethics investigation to clear his name.

Who is affected

Max Miller (Ohio Republican Congressman)
Emily Moreno (Miller's ex-wife)
The couple's two-year-old daughter
Senator Bernie Moreno (Emily's father and Miller's former father-in-law)
Brian Poindexter (Democratic opponent in the election)
Ohio's seventh district constituents
Republican Party leadership
President Donald Trump (who contacted Miller expressing doubts)

What action is being taken

Max Miller is continuing his re-election campaign for a third term
The House of Representatives Ethics Committee has formally launched an investigation into Miller
Miller is suing his ex-wife for defamation
Miller and Moreno are involved in ongoing legal disputes related to their divorce and custody

Why it matters

This case matters because it involves serious allegations of domestic violence and child abuse against a sitting U.S. Congressman who maintains a position of public trust and authority. The situation has created a significant political crisis within the Republican Party, with a sitting Republican Senator publicly calling for his former son-in-law's removal from Congress. The outcome could affect not only the balance of power in the House of Representatives but also sets precedent for how political parties and ethics committees handle abuse allegations against elected officials, particularly when those allegations involve vulnerable victims like children.

What's next

The House Ethics Committee investigation will proceed, though it could take months to complete
Ohio's state deadline for replacing congressional nominees on the ballot is Wednesday
Miller will continue campaigning for the November midterm elections
Miller faces continued legal disputes with his ex-wife

Read full article from source: BBC