PoliticsEmbattled Ohio Rep. Max Miller May Drop Reelection Bid Within Days Amid Abuse Allegations: Report
Max Miller's reelection bid may soon come to an end following explosive abuse allegations from his ex-wife.
Aug. 7 2026, Published 5:45 p.m. ET
Embattled Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller is facing intense pressure to drop his reelection bid imminently, according to sources speaking to Axios.
The reports come amid a high-profile, public scandal involving serious domestic violence and child abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, during their contentious custody battle.
While Miller continues to deny the claims vehemently and said he intends to stay in the race, key figures in his own party fear his presence on the ballot could jeopardize a reliably Republican district.
What Was Max Miller Accused Of?
Max Miller is facing mounting pressure to drop out of the race due to his ex-wife's abuse allegations.
Moreno accused Miller of hitting and threatening her while they were married, as well as fracturing the collarbone of their 2-year-old daughter.
The House Ethics Committee formally opened an investigation into whether Miller engaged in domestic violence, abuse or illegal drug use. Miller initially requested the probe himself to clear his name.
'Things Aren't Looking Good'
Max Miller has denied abusing his former spouse or their 2-year-old daughter.
Escalating political pressure has pushed Miller to reconsider his future.
A right-leaning Co/efficient poll showed Miller trailing his Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, by 14 points (47 percent to 33 percent). This is in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 11 points.
High-profile Ohio Republicans, including Sen. Jon Husted, have openly called for his resignation.
Trump allegedly privately phoned Miller to warn him that "things aren't looking good" and that his path to re-election would be extremely tough.
- Donald Trump Reportedly Phoned Embattled Ohio Rep. Max Miller After Abuse Allegations Ahead of Election: 'Things Aren't Looking Good'
- Eric Swalwell Suspends Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Accusations
- Donald Trump Shades 'Most' U.S. Sports Teams While Hosting Olympians and Paralympians at the White House: 'Some of Them I Don't Like So Much'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Sources said Max Miller doesn't want to drop out because he feels people will see it as an admission of guilt.
House Democrats are also privately discussing forcing a vote to expel Miller from Congress.
Under Ohio law, the critical window to replace Miller on the ballot closes very soon, as Monday, August 10, is the ultimate cutoff date for a political party to swap out a candidate.
To give local county GOP chairs the legally mandated 48-hour notice to choose a replacement, Miller would need to officially step aside within days.
'If He Quits, He's Basically Giving Up'
Republican Rep. Jim Renacci could potentially reeplace Max Miller.
If Miller drops out, former Republican Rep. Jim Renacci has already indicated he is actively mulling a comeback run to fill the slot.
Miller's allies maintain that he is digging in his heels because dropping out would be treated as a tacit admission of guilt. However, party officials remain on high alert as the Monday deadline approaches.
“He’s really worried about what his daughter is going to think when she gets older,” an insider told Axios, while another source added, “If he quits, he’s basically giving up. And if he gives up, it basically means he did it.”
