Ohio Republican Max Miller Defies Resignation Calls Over Domestic Abuse Allegations

An Ohio Republican congressman facing domestic abuse allegations has vowed to remain in his re-election race despite calls for resignation from his own party. Max Miller, 37, told CNN on Tuesday he will not withdraw his candidacy, even as the House ethics committee formally launched an investigation into claims that he engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use.

The Allegations and Miller's Response

Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of throwing her against a wall, holding a gun to her head, and fracturing their two-year-old daughter's collarbone, according to court documents and police reports obtained by multiple news outlets. In one police report, an officer documented bruising on Moreno's upper arm and torso following a February custody exchange. Miller has categorically denied all allegations, characterizing them as "false and baseless" without supporting evidence. He has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife in response.

During his CNN interview, Miller stated: "I am never going to give up. I will never ever let my baby girl see her daddy walk away as a quitter." He pointed to his joint custody arrangement with Moreno as evidence refuting abuse claims, arguing that no court would allow such an arrangement if he posed a danger to their daughter. On Tuesday, he publicly invited a congressional investigation "to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family," and the House ethics committee granted that request hours later.

Political Pressure and the Ethics Inquiry

The pressure on Miller intensified from within Republican ranks when Moreno's father, Bernie Moreno, a Republican Ohio senator, publicly called for his removal from Congress, stating his daughter "lives in constant fear" of the congressman. President Donald Trump also expressed doubts about Miller's viability in November, according to the congressman, who disclosed that Trump had telephoned him Monday to discuss his political prospects. Miller's defiance comes ahead of Wednesday's state deadline for replacing congressional nominees on the ballot.

The House ethics investigation could take months to complete. The committee is examining whether Miller "may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use in violation of the code of official conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct." Miller and Moreno finalized their divorce last year but have remained entangled in legal disputes that have escalated dramatically in recent days.