Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has strongly urged Representative Max Miller, also from Ohio, to resign from Congress and seek psychological assistance. Moreno’s statement follows Miller’s denial of allegations livestreamed on social media.
Moreno openly criticized Miller’s character, stating, “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.” This sentiment is echoed by Brian Poindexter, a Democratic challenger who highlighted allegations against Miller involving domestic abuse.
“No one credibly accused of holding a gun to his wife’s head and breaking their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone belongs in the halls of power,” Poindexter wrote.
Moreno’s public condemnation came shortly after Miller denied domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Moreno’s concern about Miller’s behavior is significant because it involves his daughter and granddaughter.
“As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter Emily, me, and our entire family in the aftermath of Emily’s divorce,” Moreno stated.
The situation’s public nature and the involvement of Miller’s young daughter have been particularly distressing for the family. Moreno expressed a desire to keep the matter private; however, he feels that Miller’s behavior has necessitated public discussion.
Miller has denied the abuse allegations, emphasizing that no charge has been substantiated against him. He mentioned that child welfare investigations had concluded without any findings against him. Miller also accused his ex-wife of using allegations to influence their custody battle.
Controversy surrounds accusations that Miller assaulted Emily Moreno and questioning arises regarding how their daughter’s broken collarbone occurred. Miller denies responsibility for the injury and maintains he was not in custody of her when it happened. He also addressed an incident involving boiling water, claiming it was horseplay with water from a sink.
Stefan Mychajliw, a spokesperson for Emily Moreno, criticized Max Miller’s public statements, stating, “There is a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior and no amount of victim shaming will change that.” He argued that Miller’s actions are detrimental to their daughter.
The Republican Party faces pressure as a deadline nears for potentially replacing Miller on the upcoming ballot amid this controversy. Democrats see an opportunity in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District due to the ongoing situation.
Miller, previously an advisor for President Trump and holding Trump’s endorsement, asserted his commitment to stay in the race, saying, “I’m not dropping out of this race and I’ll win in November.”