By Basant El-Faramawy
Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller lost his bid for re-election to Democrat Brian Poindexter in the 2026 midterm elections, following a campaign overshadowed by domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
Election outcome
Poindexter, an ironworker and union organizer, will take the seat in the next Congress. Miller had held the position since 2023.
Allegations and investigations
Moreno, the daughter of Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, alleged during divorce proceedings that Miller held a gun to her head, scalded her with boiling water, and caused their toddler daughter's broken collarbone. Miller denies the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against his wife. A House ethics committee is investigating Miller for domestic violence and drug use allegations.
Trump endorsement and campaign
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Miller in the final days of the campaign, urging voters to support him. Miller claimed in a campaign ad that the allegations were "proven false time and again," though New York Magazine reported that no one was found at fault in the investigation of his daughter's injury, and the domestic assault allegations have not been formally investigated.
Calls for resignation
Before the August 2026 deadline to withdraw, Senator Moreno and others called for Miller to resign, arguing he failed basic standards of character for elected office.
