Ohio senator: Max Miller must resign over abuse allegations

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno on Sunday publicly called on Representative Max Miller, his former son-in-law, to resign from Congress, pushing abuse allegations made by Moreno's daughter, Emily Moreno, to the center of a heated re-election fight in Ohio's seventh congressional district.

In a post on X, Moreno, a Republican, wrote that Miller "should not serve in the House of Representatives." He urged Miller to "seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake" and said Miller should not be free to continue endangering others. The senator also expressed regret that the situation had become public, blaming Miller's "increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior" for making that outcome unavoidable.

A Father's Public Break

Moreno's statement represented a significant shift from his position on Friday, when he told NOTUS that he "didn't know" whether Miller should continue his campaign. By Sunday, the senator had made up his mind, and his choice to speak out publicly is a rare and consequential act. Few political figures are forced to weigh their public duties against family loyalties in such a visible manner. Moreno, who won his Senate seat in 2024, has long been seen as a rising conservative voice in Ohio, and this intervention will likely reverberate across the state and national GOP circles.

The Allegations Against Miller

Emily Moreno, a conservative policy adviser and Miller's ex-wife, has leveled a series of disturbing accusations. Earlier this year, she testified in connection with a defamation lawsuit that Miller threw hot water from a pan at her. The New York Times also reported her allegation that Miller held a gun to her head. Additionally, she accused the congressman of breaking the collarbone of their toddler daughter. The couple married in 2022 and have been engaged in a custody battle since 2024.

Miller has faced accusations from another former partner as well. Stephanie Grisham, who served as White House press secretary under President Donald Trump, has made allegations against Miller, though the details are not fully outlined in the source material. The cumulative effect is what Moreno described as a "clear pattern of abuse."

Miller's Denial and the Legal Context

Hours before Moreno's statement, Miller held a livestream in which he strongly denied all allegations. He said no court or agency had ever substantiated any allegation of abuse against him and no criminal charge had been filed. He claimed he had cooperated fully with every investigation because he had nothing to hide.

Miller, 37, made clear he intends to stay in the race. Wednesday is the deadline to replace him on the ballot, a looming date that gives the situation urgency. The congressman's legal troubles extend beyond the abuse claims; Emily Moreno has filed a defamation suit against him, and he has countersued. The custody dispute over their young daughter remains unresolved.

Political Fallout in Ohio's 7th District

The controversy has turned a previously competitive seat into a potential liability for Republicans. Democrats see Ohio's seventh district as a pickup opportunity, and Miller's personal difficulties could give them a powerful opening. Until now, most GOP leaders had remained silent, possibly hoping the issue would fade. Moreno's direct call for resignation changes the calculus, providing political cover for other Republicans to distance themselves or join the chorus.

If Miller were to step aside before the Wednesday deadline, local party committees would need to name a replacement to face Democratic challengers in the general election. If he stays, the campaign will grapple with allegations that are sure to fuel attack ads and dominate debates. The coming days will test the party's willingness to stand by a candidate whose personal conduct is now a central issue.

What's Next

Moreno's statement, while deeply personal, was also carefully calibrated. He noted that it had been "horrific" to watch the situation unfold in public while "an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle." That reference to his granddaughter underscores the human stakes of a political drama that has now broken into the open. Whether Miller yields to the pressure or digs in, the Republican Party in Ohio faces a defining moment.