Ohio Rep. Max Miller faces domestic abuse claims in race

A bitter and public legal battle involving serious allegations of domestic abuse is threatening the political future of Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller as he seeks reelection this November. The controversy, detailed in thousands of pages of recently unsealed court filings and police records, centers on accusations made by Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno.

The allegations, which Miller has consistently and categorically denied as false and politically motivated, span the couple's marriage and subsequent custody dispute over their young daughter. In court documents, Emily Moreno claims Miller subjected her to repeated physical abuse, including an incident in June 2024 where she alleges he threw hot water from a skillet at her, causing burns. She also accuses him of pointing a firearm at her, pushing her against walls, and assaulting her during custody exchanges.

Further scrutiny emerged from a child welfare investigation in February 2026 after the couple's daughter suffered a broken collarbone. Investigative notes indicated the injury was considered suspicious, with bruising resembling a handprint, though the state's...