Rep. Max Miller Remains on Ohio Ballot Amid Domestic Abuse Allegations, Polling Shows Significant Decline

What Happened

U.S. Representative Max Miller (R-OH) has remained on the general election ballot for Ohio's 7th Congressional District, despite facing mounting pressure from within his own party to withdraw. The deadline for Republicans to replace Miller on the ballot passed on Monday, August 10, 2026, solidifying his candidacy. This development comes as recent polling data indicates a substantial decline in Miller's support. Tavern Research, for instance, shows Miller trailing his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, by eight points, 46 percent to 54 percent. This is a stark contrast to President Trump's 11-point victory in the district two years prior and Miller's own nearly 11-point reelection win in 2024. An earlier August poll from a Republican firm reportedly showed Miller down by 14 points, 33 to 47 percent, while another Republican poll around the same time indicated a five-point deficit, 44 to 39 percent. The incumbent is contending with serious domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and at least two other women, which have been widely reported.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Rep. Max Miller is officially the Republican nominee for Ohio's 7th Congressional District, as the August 10, 2026, deadline for ballot replacement has passed. Polling data from multiple sources, including Tavern Research and two unnamed Republican firms, consistently show Miller trailing his Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, by margins ranging from five to fourteen points. This district, which leans 55%-44% Republican according to Dave's Redistricting, was won by President Donald Trump by 11 points in a previous cycle. Miller himself secured reelection in 2024 with 55.3 percent of the vote. The allegations against Miller include claims by his ex-wife of physical assault, threatening with a gun, and an accusation regarding a collarbone fracture suffered by their two-year-old daughter. However, Child Services investigated the child injury claim and ruled it "unsubstantiated." Miller has vehemently denied all allegations and has personally loaned his campaign $1 million, signaling his commitment to the race.

Where the Accounts Conflict

The primary conflict in accounts centers on the veracity of the domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller. His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, claims Miller shoved and pushed her, hurled a scalding pot of hot water, and put a gun to her head. She also alleges he was at fault for a collarbone fracture sustained by their two-year-old daughter. Additionally, there are claims of drug use, harassment, and violence toward previous girlfriends. Miller, however, has "strongly denied the allegations," characterizing the situation as a "he said/she said case with no conclusive proof of any wrongdoing." He points to the Child Services investigation into the daughter's collarbone injury, which concluded with a ruling of "unsubstantiated" regarding the abuse claim. Furthermore, the Breitbart report notes that Miller's ex-wife never pressed criminal charges, filed a police report, or requested a restraining order, suggesting these allegations are primarily surfacing within divorce and custody proceedings, where "emotions and agendas run hot."

Context and Stakes

Ohio's 7th Congressional District, located just south of Cleveland, has historically been a reliably Republican stronghold, with President Trump winning it by 11 points and the district leaning 55%-44% Republican. Rep. Max Miller's current predicament transforms what was considered a safe GOP seat into a competitive race, creating significant "headaches for a Republican Party that had not planned to devote attention to defending the seat." The stakes are high for both parties: for Republicans, it represents a potential loss of a seat in a cycle where they are largely on defense, while for Democrats, it offers an unexpected opportunity to flip a district. President Trump, a former senior aide to whom Miller served, has called Miller "a good person" and suggested the legal dispute is a family matter, notably not calling for his withdrawal. In contrast, both of Ohio's senators, including Miller's former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, urged him to step aside, highlighting the internal party division over his candidacy.

What to Watch Next

Observers should closely monitor the financial commitments from national Republican and Democratic campaign organizations. The Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters stated the party would "support our nominees" but stopped short of guaranteeing campaign spending, indicating a wait-and-see approach. It remains unclear whether groups like the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) or the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) will allocate resources to Miller's campaign. Similarly, Democratic groups such as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and House Majority PAC were debating whether to prioritize this race for midterm spending. Miller has indicated he is prepared to spend more of his own money, having already infused $1 million into his campaign. Further public polling will be critical to gauge any shifts in voter sentiment as the election approaches. The Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker, is campaigning on "pocketbook issues" and has secured endorsements from several major unions, which could influence voter turnout and support.

Bottom Line

Rep. Max Miller's decision to remain on the Ohio ballot, despite significant domestic abuse allegations and calls for his withdrawal from within his own party, has transformed a historically safe Republican district into an unexpectedly competitive race. While Miller denies the allegations and a child services investigation found one claim "unsubstantiated," recent polls consistently show him trailing his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter. The Republican Party faces a dilemma, needing to decide whether to invest significant resources in a district they previously considered secure. President Trump's continued, albeit cautious, support for Miller contrasts with other prominent Republicans urging his departure. The outcome will hinge on whether Miller can overcome the negative publicity and polling deficits, and whether national party committees decide to commit substantial financial backing to either candidate in the coming weeks leading up to the November election.