Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller says he will remain in the race for reelection despite domestic abuse allegations made by his former wife, Emily Moreno, setting off an increasingly public feud with Sen. Bernie Moreno, his former father-in-law. The dispute has divided prominent Ohio Republicans, drawn a cautious response from President Donald Trump, and intensified scrutiny of one of the state's most closely watched congressional races.
Speaking during a livestream on X, Miller rejected calls to withdraw from the race and denied abusing his former wife or daughter. He said the allegations have never resulted in criminal charges or judicial findings against him and vowed to continue his campaign.
"I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November," Miller said.
The congressman addressed accusations contained in court filings stemming from his ongoing divorce and custody proceedings. Emily Moreno has alleged that during a 2024 argument Miller threw hot water from a skillet at her and sprayed her with a kitchen sink hose.
Miller denied throwing scalding water, acknowledged spraying her with the hose and characterized the incident as "horseplay," saying he never intended to cause harm. He also disputed allegations involving injuries to the couple's daughter.
According to court records cited by Axios, child welfare authorities investigated two reports alleging abuse of the child. Miller said both were ultimately deemed unsubstantiated. One investigation produced an "indicated" finding of physical abuse, meaning investigators observed signs consistent with abuse but couldn't determine who caused the injuries. Prosecutors later declined to pursue criminal charges, concluding there wasn't sufficient admissible evidence to present the matter to a grand jury.
The controversy escalated shortly after Miller's livestream when Bernie Moreno publicly condemned his former son-in-law in his strongest remarks since the allegations became public. The Ohio senator said he had remained silent for months out of concern for his family's privacy but felt compelled to respond after Miller defended himself publicly.
"He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter," Moreno wrote on X.
Moreno added that "if there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them," arguing that the congressman shouldn't continue serving in the House of Representatives.
Emily Moreno's spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, also criticized Miller's livestream, calling it a "bizarre and lie-filled rant" and accusing the congressman of using the couple's daughter as a "PR pawn" to protect his political career.
The allegations prompted questions for President Trump, who has previously endorsed Miller. When asked aboard Air Force One whether the Ohio congressman should resign, Trump stopped short of taking a position.
"I'm gonna look at it. I mean, so far, it's accusations. I'll be looking at it," Trump said.
The legal conflict between Miller and his former wife has extended beyond the current custody dispute. Emily Moreno has accused Miller in court filings of physically abusing and threatening her during their marriage, allegations he has consistently denied. Miller previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Emily Moreno, while former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, who also accused Miller of abusive behavior, reached a 2023 settlement with the congressman after he sued her for defamation. Grisham has since filed a new lawsuit alleging Miller violated confidentiality and nondisparagement provisions contained in that settlement.
Miller later responded directly to Bernie Moreno's criticism, questioning why the senator had waited years to speak publicly if he genuinely believed the allegations. According to The Wall Street Journal, Miller also accused Moreno of attempting to divert attention from what he described as the senator's own "media circus."
