A Pattern of Allegations
Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio is facing a critical juncture in his reelection campaign as a series of disturbing domestic abuse allegations, detailed in approximately 2,000 pages of court filings and police reports, have entered the public record. The documents, obtained by Mother Jones and reviewed by other national outlets, include claims from Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno—the daughter of U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno—and former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham.
Moreno has alleged a history of physical violence during their marriage, including instances where Miller reportedly threw hot water at her, held a gun to her head, and shoved her against a wall. Court filings also contain records of a child protection investigation regarding a broken collarbone suffered by the couple’s two-year-old daughter. While that specific investigation was ultimately unsubstantiated, Moreno stated in police interviews that she could not rule out Miller as the cause of the injury given his history of behavior.
Legal and Political Stakes
The allegations have prompted Democratic lawmakers, including the Democratic Women’s Caucus, to formally call for a House Ethics Committee investigation. As of late July 2026, the committee’s bipartisan staff director has declined to comment on whether an inquiry has been initiated. The situation has created a complex political dynamic, particularly given the family connection to Senator Bernie Moreno, who has stated his priority is the safety of his daughter and granddaughter but has otherwise characterized the situation as a private matter.
Beyond the immediate legislative pressure, Miller is entangled in ongoing litigation with Stephanie Grisham. After a private settlement regarding a defamation lawsuit was reached in 2023, Grisham has filed a new suit, alleging that Miller violated that agreement by publicly discussing their past relationship in an attempt to rehabilitate his reputation amid the current scandal. Miller, through his office, has denied all allegations of abuse and has directed reporters to his past social media posts that attack the credibility of the reporting.
Election Impact
The scandal is already affecting the electoral landscape in Ohio’s district. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican” after internal polling showed Miller’s Democratic challenger, union iron worker Brian Poindexter, trailing by only one percentage point. The Battleground Alliance PAC has intensified the pressure by conducting robocalls to approximately 100,000 households detailing the abuse claims. With Miller having won his seat with only 51% of the vote in 2024, political analysts suggest that these allegations could prove decisive in a district that historically leans Republican.