Max Miller, the incumbent congressman from Ohio’s 7th district, has not withdrawn his reelection bid despite mounting pressure and missed deadlines for replacement by the Ohio Republican Party. Miller faces domestic violence allegations from his ex-wife, which have prompted calls from within his party, including Republican Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, for him to drop out.

According to state law, if Miller had withdrawn by Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, the Ohio GOP could have held a special primary election to select a new nominee to run against Democratic candidate Brian Poindexter. However, the party missed this deadline and can no longer replace Miller on the ballot, although Miller himself could still remove his name.

In a special announcement video released three days prior to the deadline, Miller denied all allegations against him and confirmed he would remain in the race. He stated, "When I was reported for child abuse for my daughter for a broken collarbone, my daughter was in my ex-wife's care 9 out of the last 11 days, and she took her to the emergency room, which is a contempt violation from our shared parenting plan."

Miller also addressed accusations involving custody arrangements, sharing screenshots showing communication with Deborah Kornicke, a court-appointed parenting coordinator. He disputed claims made by Senator Moreno, saying, "@berniemoreno please stop the lies. As everyone can see in the below screenshots, mine and your daughter’s parenting coordinator reached about the bunny asking if you can come pick it up from me after she forgot it at my house. Then, a man who is not on our approved list reaches out to me offering to come to my house to get the bunny, to which I said it was inappropriate of him to insert himself in family business and that I was waiting for you, @berniemoreno, like we agreed upon."

The House Ethics Committee has declined to comment on whether Miller will be investigated regarding the domestic violence allegations.

Sources