Ohio Congressman Max Miller Denies Domestic Abuse Allegations: What You Need to Know

Important Note: This article covers serious allegations of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available 24/7 by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or texting "START" to 88788.

What Happened?

Ohio Congressman Max Miller (a Republican representing the 7th District) is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. The allegations became public after ABC News obtained police reports detailing multiple incidents that allegedly occurred during their marriage and divorce.

Who Is Involved?

Key Allegations from Police Reports

According to police reports obtained by ABC News, Emily Moreno told officers that Miller:

• Threw her against a wall, leaving visible grab marks on her upper arm
• Held a gun to her head during an argument
• Threw hot water on her
• Their 2-year-old daughter allegedly said: "Daddy kill you"
• Their daughter received physical injuries while in Miller’s care

Miller’s Response

Miller strongly denies all allegations. Through a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, he claims:

1. The accusations are false
2. They are part of a "repeated pattern" by Moreno
3. The goal is to "ruin my reputation, gain an edge in custody and litigation matters, and seek revenge"

Important Legal Context: Miller was never charged with a crime. The Department of Children and Family Services did not find evidence to substantiate child abuse allegations, according to court records.

This Isn’t the First Time

Stephanie Grisham’s Earlier Allegations (2021)

• In her 2021 memoir, former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham wrote about being physically abused by her partner while working at the White House
• She later identified that partner as Max Miller in a Washington Post op-ed
• Grisham claims she told White House officials at the time, but no action was taken
• Miller denied Grisham’s allegations and sued her for defamation in 2023
• They reached a confidential settlement
• Now: Grisham is suing Miller again, claiming he violated their settlement by discussing the case while denying Moreno’s allegations

Political Fallout & Election Impact

The Race Has Shifted

What’s Happening Now

• Democratic groups (House Majority PAC, Battleground Alliance PAC) are running ads and robocalls about the allegations
• 100,000+ households received automated calls recounting both women’s claims
• Republican National Congressional Committee declined to comment on the specific allegations

Calls for Investigation & Resignation

Who’s Speaking Out

Other Congress Members Facing Similar Scrutiny (2024)

• Eric Swalwell (D-CA) — departed amid misconduct allegations
• Tony Gonzales (R-TX) — departed amid misconduct allegations
• Cory Mills (R-FL) — under active House Ethics investigation for domestic violence allegations (denies all)

Family Conflict Goes Public

Miller has publicly attacked his ex-father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, on social media (X/Twitter):

"It is unfortunate that @berniemoreno continues to fund and enable his daughter’s malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues. Bernie, this must be distracting from your job. These antics harm your own grandchild. Anytime you want to put a stop to this, you can."

Senator Moreno’s spokesperson responded:

"His top priority is the safety and well-being of his daughter and granddaughter. While he does not litigate these matters in the media or respond to baseless public attacks, he will do whatever it takes to ensure a just outcome for his family."

Emily Moreno’s lawyers have also requested a restraining order against Miller, citing "harassment and threats" against her legal team.

Summary

• Ohio Rep. Max Miller faces detailed domestic abuse allegations from ex-wife Emily Moreno, documented in police reports
• Allegations include gun threats, physical violence, and harm to their toddler daughter
• Miller denies everything, calls it a custody tactic, and notes no criminal charges were filed
• This is the second time Miller has been accused of abusing a partner (Stephanie Grisham, 2021)
• The allegations have shifted a "safe" Republican seat to competitive ahead of November
• Top Democrats demand Ethics investigation and resignation; Republican leadership points to committee process
• Family feud has gone public: Miller vs. Senator Bernie Moreno (ex-father-in-law)
• Outside spending groups are flooding the district with messaging about the allegations

FAQ

1. Has Max Miller been charged with a crime?

No. Despite the detailed police reports, Miller has never been criminally charged in connection with these allegations. The Department of Children and Family Services also did not substantiate child abuse claims.

2. Why are these allegations coming out now?

The police reports were obtained by ABC News and published in June 2026, during Miller’s reelection campaign. The timing coincides with a tightening race and a restraining order request from Moreno’s legal team.

3. What is the House Ethics Committee, and what can it do?

The House Ethics Committee investigates misconduct by members of Congress. It can recommend sanctions ranging from a formal reprimand to expulsion (which requires a 2/3 House vote). As of publication, the committee has not confirmed whether an investigation is open.

4. Did Donald Trump know about these allegations?

Trump attended and toasted at Miller’s 2022 Mar-a-Lago wedding. The White House declined to comment on both Grisham’s and Moreno’s allegations when asked by ABC News.

5. How might this affect the November election?

The race has shifted from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican." Democratic groups are spending heavily to highlight the allegations. Miller’s 1-point lead in internal polling suggests a genuinely competitive race in a district Trump won by 10 points.

This article is based on public reporting from ABC News, court records, police reports, and official statements. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.