Ohio lawmaker Max Miller rejects pressure to exit reelection race over abuse allegations

Ohio representative Max Miller intends to seek reelection in November even as he confronts domestic abuse claims from his former spouse, the lawmaker stated to CNN during a Tuesday interview.

Over recent months Miller has drawn attention following accusations of domestic abuse leveled by his ex-wife Emily Moreno that appeared in news coverage. In May Miller initiated a defamation lawsuit against Moreno alleging she issued false malicious and defamatory remarks concerning him.

Moreno has charged that Miller placed a firearm to her head and broke their two-year-old daughter's collarbone. Additional reported episodes include an occasion when Miller supposedly shoved Moreno into a wall. These claims surfaced in police documents examined by media outlets.

In a Sunday post on X Miller dismissed Moreno's assertions.

He stated he has never mistreated their daughter and presented the claims as arising during a custody contest involving their child. He also issued documents from his divorce and custody proceedings that he indicated backed his account of events.

Miller falls short of politician standards Moreno's father asserts

On the same day Moreno's father Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno described the situation as brutal beyond comprehension for Moreno and added that Miller fails to meet any minimum standard required for a public official.

In a Tuesday post on X Miller announced plans to request an ethics review of his own conduct.

He wrote that he has nothing to conceal. Later that day the House Ethics Committee confirmed it had launched an inquiry into the matter.

President Donald Trump described Miller as a good person when questioned about the developments noting he always viewed him as a very good person and would allow the families to resolve the issue. Miller had previously assisted with Trump's initial two election campaigns.

Privately however the White House prefers that Miller relinquish his seat after the current term according to POLITICO reports based on unnamed sources.

Miller affirmed he would continue his reelection campaign during the Tuesday CNN interview stating no one has instructed him to leave the ballot because they recognize he can secure the seat. His Republican colleagues have mostly declined to urge his withdrawal with House Speaker Mike Johnson maintaining that the ethics inquiry must conclude before any choice is reached.

Johnson told POLITICO that judgment is always reserved in such cases whether involving Republicans or Democrats.

If Miller reverses course he must exit the race by August 10 under Ohio election regulations.