GOP Candidate's Support Collapses Over Abuse Allegations
Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) said Sunday he will not leave his congressional race despite allegations of physical abuse filed in divorce and custody proceedings by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
- Court filings allege Miller threw hot water, held a gun to Moreno's head, and hit and shoved her.
- 44% of district voters viewed Miller unfavorably versus 25% favorably, per a Republican-firm poll.
- An internal Republican poll showed Miller trailing Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter 44% to 39%.
- Polymarket odds for a Democratic win surged from the low 50s to the high 60s after Miller's livestream.
Why it matters: Ohio's 7th District is a seat Republicans were favored to hold, but the scandal has made it competitive. Cook Political Report moved it from Solid Republican to Likely Republican earlier this summer.
- Wednesday deadline: Miller must withdraw by 4 p.m. for Republicans to name a replacement by Aug. 10.
- Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham previously accused Miller of abuse; he dropped a defamation suit against her in a 2023 settlement. Grisham has since filed a new suit alleging Miller violated that settlement.
How 9 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether Miller's refusal to exit is a survivable political gamble or will cost Republicans a seat they should keep is the core dispute.
Center coverage, 2 sources: The center presents the dispute as a rare public fracture between two Trump-aligned Republicans, focusing on the legal record, Miller's specific denials, and the electoral math facing the party.
Left coverage, 5 sources: The left frames Miller's survival as evidence of GOP tolerance for alleged abusers and argues his media strategy — bypassing press in favor of a base-friendly livestream — reflects a broader party pattern that could cost Republicans a winnable seat.
Rolling Stone4hMAGA Rep. Digs in as Ex-Father-in-Law Senator Says He Needs ‘Psychological Help’DKDaily Kos4h‘Platner on steroids’: GOP scrambles to contain domestic abuse scandal
Raw Story5hEmbattled Republican may survive abuse scandal — and cost GOP a safe seat: analysis
CNN3hWhat to know about the recent abuse allegations impacting GOP Rep. Max Miller’s reelection race
HuffPost2dDemocrats See A Chance To Flip A Seat As Focus On Abuse Claims Mounts Against Ohio Rep. Max MillerRight coverage, 2 sources: The right emphasizes that Miller has not been criminally charged, notes prosecutors found insufficient admissible evidence, and tracks the race's shifting prediction-market odds as the primary measure of Republican exposure.
What’s next: Miller said he has Ring doorbell footage supporting his account; no court has yet ruled on that evidence.
- Trump said Sunday he would 'look at' the matter, calling the claims 'accusations' so far.
- Emily Moreno's attorney said additional litigation continues; her restraining-order request remains pending.
- Will Miller withdraw before Wednesday's deadline, and if not, will Republican committees attempt to act afterward?
- How will Trump's posture toward Miller shift if polling or party pressure intensifies before November?