The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Representative Max Miller, Republican from Ohio. This action follows his request for a probe concerning domestic abuse allegations amid his reelection campaign. The committee announced on Tuesday they are examining claims that Miller may have violated congressional conduct codes related to domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use.
The committee emphasized that their investigation and public acknowledgment do not imply any wrongdoing. Earlier, Miller declared on social media his intentions to request an investigation, aiming to clear his name. He stated, “In light of all the renewed interest in my family affairs, I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family. I have absolutely nothing to hide.”
Miller is competing for a third term in the House amid a contentious custody dispute with his former wife, Emily Moreno. Moreno is the daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno, also from Ohio. In 2024, Moreno filed for divorce from Miller after two years of marriage, accusing him of violent and abusive conduct. Court documents from earlier in the year detail her claims that Miller scalded her with hot water, pushed her against a wall, and even pointed a gun at her head. She also accuses him of fracturing their young daughter’s collarbone.
Miller denies these allegations. In a video posted on social media, he refuted claims of physical abuse towards Moreno and described the water incident as “horseplay” involving a kitchen sink hose. “My former wife is engaging in a pattern of reporting incredibly serious and destructive allegations with absolutely no evidence,” Miller stated. Addressing the child abuse claims, he remarked, “I have never abused our daughter.”
Senator Moreno responded sharply to Miller’s video, stating on social media, “He needs serious psychological help.” He added, “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter. If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Miller plans to continue his campaign for the northeast Ohio seat. However, he faces pressure from his party to withdraw as Republicans aim to maintain their slim majority in the upcoming fall elections. Having won the seat by a 15-point margin in 2024, some GOP officials are concerned that the controversy may strengthen his Democratic challenger, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, paving the way to flip the seat.