Deadline passes for embattled Republican Rep. Max Miller to drop off ballot
The deadline officially passed Monday afternoon for embattled Republican Max Miller to drop off the ballot for reelection in Ohio's 7th Congressional District, and he will remain in the race, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
"Congressman Miller has represented Ohio’s 7th District for two successful terms, and he will fight for the opportunity to continue representing them in the next Congress," Abigail Angelos, a spokeswoman for Miller, said in a statement on his decision to stay in the race.
"He is invested in every way possible and intends to move forward with the work he started back in 2023," Angelos said.
Miller has faced numerous calls to step down and drop his reelection bid amid allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno. Miller has denied the allegations.
Last week, President Donald Trump called Miller and raised concerns about his reelection bid, sources told ABC News.
In an interview with CNN the next day, Miller said Trump told him, "'Maxie, it's going to be a tough race,' and, 'I don't know if you're going to be able to pull this one out.'" But the congressman remained defiant, telling the network: "I am never going to give up."
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, in an interview on NewsNation on Sunday, indicated Miller would continue to receive the backing of the national party.
"We're going to support our nominees," Gruters said.
Miller's Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, commented on his decision to remain in the race in a statement to ABC News.
"As I've said before, if the accusations against Max Miller are proven true, he should be in prison, not in Congress," Poindexter said. "It's unfortunate that Miller has chosen to keep putting his ex-wife and her family through this nightmare in the public spotlight. But let me be perfectly clear. I got into this campaign to fight for my neighbors and for working people across this district. That continues to be my north star."
"Our campaign's doors are wide open to anyone -- Democrat, Republican, or anything in between -- who believes their representative should serve with honor and work for Ohioans, not for special interests and not for themselves," Poindexter said. "In November, we will win this race, and the people of the 7th District will finally have a representative who fights for them."
Police reports obtained by ABC News show that Emily Moreno alleged multiple incidents of physical violence during their marriage and divorce proceedings. The police reports obtained by ABC News also shows Emily Moreno told the police that her daughter received physical injuries while in Miller's care. Miller denies abusing his wife or daughter. He was never charged with a crime and the Department of Children and Family Services did not find evidence to substantiate allegations of child abuse, according to records released in court filings.
