Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) dodged a series of rapid-fire questions Tuesday afternoon about his reelection effort as lawmakers returned to Washington for the first time since facing increased scrutiny due to allegations of domestic violence and child abuse that have roiled his campaign.
Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday from their monthlong August recess, and Miller was asked Tuesday if he was concerned about his race and stepping down amid the allegations made against him by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
Recommended Stories
The Ohio Republican responded by rattling off a few campaign talking points.
“Did you guys know that we delivered 18 million [dollars] to the district this year for our constituents?” Miller responded when reporters approached him.
“Are you concerned about losing your race because of these allegations?” a reporter followed.
Miller ignored the question and responded, “Did you guys know I’m very proud to support Ukraine for our district and represent the largest Ukrainian constituency amongst any one Republican?” before heading inside to cast a vote on a short-term government funding deal.
Another reporter tried to ask whether Miller was worried that, by remaining on the ballot, he endangered Republicans’ chances of holding the majority, but he did not answer and entered the Capitol.
Miller’s deflection comes as he is under intense scrutiny in a bitter and public legal battle with his ex-wife, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH). The New York Times reported that she alleged Miller “scalded her chest and stomach by throwing hot water from a skillet at her body; held a gun to her head; pushed her against a wall and hit her head; and fractured their daughter’s collarbone and bruised her shoulder.” Miller has denied the allegations.
Despite the allegations, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stood firmly behind Miller on Monday afternoon.
When asked if he supported Miller, the speaker said “yes,” adding that Miller has been a “great member of Congress.”
“He has some issues in his personal life he’s working through,” Johnson said, also noting that the House Ethics Committee is conducting an investigation.
THE 21 SEATS MIKE JOHNSON SAYS WILL DECIDE THE HOUSE MAJORITY
Miller’s seat was moved to a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, as the Democratic candidate, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, recently polled 8 points ahead of Miller, 54%-46%, despite President Donald Trump winning the Cleveland-area seat by 11 percentage points in 2024.
Poindexter featured his three daughters in his first campaign advertisement for the general election, taking a subtle dig at Miller. The one-minute television spot includes Poindexter’s daughters praising their father for his work ethic and dedication to their family.
