Ohio Senator Moreno Demands House Colleague Miller Resign Over Domestic Abuse Allegations

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, issued a scathing public statement Sunday demanding that Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, step down from Congress and pursue “serious psychological help.” The senator’s rebuke came shortly after Miller livestreamed a comprehensive denial of domestic abuse allegations leveled by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the senator’s daughter.

In a lengthy statement posted to X, Moreno declared that Miller fails to meet basic standards of character for holding elected office. “He should not serve in the House of Representatives,” the senator wrote, adding that Miller “is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter.”

Miller’s Democratic challenger in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, Brian Poindexter, echoed the call for resignation. Poindexter, a union ironworker and Brook Park city councilman, stated that no one credibly accused of holding a gun to his spouse’s head and breaking a 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone should serve in Congress.

Moreno detailed the toll the divorce proceedings have taken on his family over the past two years. He emphasized that protecting his daughter and granddaughter remained the family’s priority, but said Miller’s “increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior” made maintaining privacy impossible.

Miller categorically denied all allegations of abuse during his Sunday livestream. He asserted that no court or government agency had substantiated any abuse claims and that he had never faced criminal charges related to the allegations. The congressman noted that child welfare investigations involving his daughter had closed without findings against him.

Emily Moreno has accused Miller of physical assault, threats, and allegedly pointing a gun at her during their marriage. Questions have surfaced regarding the circumstances of their daughter’s broken collarbone, though Miller denied responsibility and stated the injury occurred after the child was no longer in his care.

Emily Moreno’s spokesman Stefan Mychajliw issued a statement Sunday characterizing Miller’s livestream as a “bizarre and lie-filled rant” designed to salvage his political career. Mychajliw asserted that documented evidence demonstrates Miller’s pattern of violent behavior and pledged confidence in the legal process.

Miller’s extraordinary public rebuke from a sitting Republican senator intensifies scrutiny as a Wednesday deadline approaches for the party to determine its nominee for the November ballot. The controversy has made Ohio’s northeast district increasingly competitive for Democrats, traditionally a Republican stronghold.

Miller, who served as an advisor during President Donald Trump’s first administration and retains the former president’s endorsement, declared he would remain the Republican nominee. “I’m not dropping out of this race,” Miller said Sunday. “And I’ll win in November.”