Republican Senator Bernie Moreno publicly called on Sunday for Representative Max Miller to resign from Congress, citing allegations of domestic and child abuse made by his daughter, Emily Moreno, Miller's ex-wife. In a post on X, Moreno stated, "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives."
Moreno, who had previously avoided direct comment as recently as Friday, expressed that Miller's "increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior" made it impossible to keep the matter private. He added, "I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake. I believe he should not be free to continue endangering others until he does."
Allegations and Denials
The senator's statement came hours after Miller, 37, released a livestream denying all allegations and affirming his intention to remain in the re-election race. "Just want to be clear: no court, no agency has ever substantiated any allegation of abuse against me. No criminal charge has ever been filed against me," Miller said. "Every single one of these allegations were already investigated, and I cooperated fully every single time because I had nothing to hide and I have nothing to hide now."
The allegations, reported by the New York Times, include claims that Miller poured hot water on Emily Moreno, held a gun to her head, and broke their toddler daughter's collarbone. Emily Moreno, a conservative policy adviser, shares a two-year-old daughter with Miller and has been in a custody dispute since 2024. In his Sunday statement, Moreno said it had been "horrific" to witness the situation unfold "all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle."
Political Implications
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Ohio's seventh congressional district race, with Democrats viewing the seat as a potential pickup. Republicans have largely remained silent, though Moreno's public call adds pressure. When asked by NOTUS on Friday whether Miller should continue his campaign, Moreno responded, "I don't know," according to the outlet.
Miller has also denied allegations from former girlfriend Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary. Emily Moreno testified earlier this year in a defamation lawsuit filed by Miller that he "took hot water from a pan he had just cooked eggs in and threw it at me." The couple married in 2022.
Next Steps and Deadline
Miller's livestream came ahead of Wednesday's deadline to replace him on the ballot, adding urgency to the situation. Despite the calls for resignation, Miller has insisted he will continue his campaign. The district's voters and party leaders now face a decision as the deadline approaches, with Moreno's statement potentially influencing Republican responses.
