Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), who has represented Ohio’s 7th Congressional District since January 2023, denied domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. Miller posted a video on social media stating, “I’ve been portrayed as an abusive husband, an abusive father and a violent man. Those allegations have damaged my reputation, caused enormous pain to my family and most importantly, it’s affected our daughter.” He vowed to continue his reelection campaign against Democrat Brian Poindexter.

Emily Moreno, Miller’s ex-wife and daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, has filed a restraining order against Miller amid a custody dispute over their two-year-old daughter. During court proceedings, Emily Moreno accused Miller of throwing hot water on her, holding a gun to her head, and breaking their daughter’s collarbone.

Senator Bernie Moreno publicly called for Miller’s resignation on social platform X, stating, “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.” He added that Miller needs “serious psychological help” and described him as a danger to his daughter and granddaughter.

Brian Poindexter, Miller’s Democratic challenger, also called for Miller to step down, saying, “No one credibly accused of holding a gun to his wife's head and breaking their 2-year-old daughter's collarbone belongs in the halls of power.”

Miller rejected the allegations as fabrications by his ex-wife, whom he said “has struggled with significant mental health challenges.” He shared a Dropbox folder with records referenced during his remarks to support his position.

Miller’s office directed ABC News to a past social media post noting that courts have continued to permit him joint custody of his child. Miller has also sued his ex-wife for defamation.

The dispute has escalated into a public family and political conflict, with the Republican Party possibly pressuring Miller to resign before the August 5th deadline to replace congressional candidates on the ballot.

Sources