Rep. Max Miller announced he will not resign from Congress after allegations of domestic abuse resurfaced this week. The Ohio Republican directly challenged his critics, including his former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, who called him a danger to society.
Miller digs in
In a statement released from his district office, Miller said he is focused on his constituents and will not be pushed out by what he called false accusations. He said the allegations are part of a coordinated smear campaign by political enemies who want to silence him.
"I am not going anywhere," Miller said. "These claims were investigated and dismissed. My work in Congress is not done, and the people of Ohio deserve a representative who fights for them, not one who caves to lies."
Miller's refusal to step aside comes days after Axios published a detailed report on allegations from his ex-wife, who accused him of physical and verbal abuse during their marriage. The report reignited calls from some Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups for an ethics investigation.
Moreno fires back
Sen. Bernie Moreno, who is Miller's former father-in-law, did not hold back when asked about the congressman. In an interview with Axios, Moreno said Miller is a danger and should not hold public office.
"Max Miller is a danger to anyone in his path," Moreno said. "I know what he did to my daughter. The public deserves to know the truth, and he should not be representing anyone in Congress."
Moreno, a first-term senator from Ohio, rarely speaks about his family matters. But he said the allegations against Miller are credible and that the congressman has not taken responsibility for his actions. He also expressed frustration with Republican leaders who have stayed silent.
"This is not a partisan issue," Moreno added. "This is about protecting women and ensuring that people who commit violence are held accountable. I will not stay quiet."
Reactions and fallout
Several Republican colleagues have publicly supported Miller. Rep. Jim Jordan, also from Ohio, said Miller deserves due process and that accusations alone should not end a career. Jordan noted that Miller has denied the allegations and has not been charged with a crime.
"We live in a country where people are innocent until proven guilty," Jordan said. "Max has been my friend for years, and I stand with him based on what I know."
Democrats have seized on the story. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has introduced legislation to create an independent ethics office, said Miller should not vote on bills related to domestic violence while under investigation.
"If the House will not expel him, we must at least strip his committee assignments," Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. "The evidence is serious and the public deserves better."
The House Ethics Committee has not announced a formal review. A spokesperson for the committee said it cannot confirm or deny whether a complaint has been filed.
Miller dismissed the renewed attention as a distraction from his legislative record. He pointed to his work on border security and veterans affairs as reasons he should remain in office.
Voters in Ohio's 7th Congressional District will decide Miller's fate in the Republican primary next year. He faces at least one challenger, state Representative Kris Lutes, who has already used the allegations in campaign ads.
Lutes said Miller's decision to stay in the race shows that he puts his own power above the needs of his family and constituents. "Ohio deserves better than a man who refuses to answer for his past," Lutes said.
Miller responded sharply: "I have answered everything. These people are liars and opportunists. I am not dropping out, and I will win this primary and the general election."
The controversy is not likely to fade. Advocacy groups have planned a rally outside the Capitol next week to demand action against Miller. Moreno said he will continue to speak out, regardless of the political consequences for his own party.
