Democrats See A Chance To Flip A Seat As Focus On Abuse Claims Mounts Against Ohio Rep. Max Miller

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — With a narrow path to winning control of the U.S. House, Democrats are seizing a fresh opportunity in a northeast Ohio congressional seat where the Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Max Miller, is facing mounting pressure over domestic abuse allegations in a bitter and drawn-out dispute with his ex-wife.

The allegations against Miller, a White House adviser during President Donald Trump's first term, have been public for years but have recently drawn increased media scrutiny amid an escalating legal back-and-forth with his former spouse, Emily Moreno, the daughter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). This has Democrats sensing that Miller could be vulnerable in a district he won two years ago with just over 51% of the vote.

Over the past week, Democrats have called for Miller to resign, requested a congressional ethics investigation, and suggested that more help could be directed toward his Democratic opponent, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, in the fall. Miller has denied the abuse allegations and filed defamation lawsuits against his ex-wife and a second accuser.

Republicans' Response

Republicans have so far remained in Miller's corner, stating that he has delivered for his district and is electable in November. At the same time, the difficulties Miller faces have not escaped the attention of the president's inner circle as they work to retain GOP control on Capitol Hill. Trump's closest advisers are actively monitoring the situation, according to a Republican with knowledge of White House discussions who requested anonymity to discuss the politically sensitive matter.

The deadline for replacing Miller on the ballot is Wednesday, though no Republican has publicly pushed to take that step. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine told Ohio's Capital Journal that the accusations were troubling and "very serious" but that Miller's fate should be up to voters.

The Race's Dynamics

The tension comes as Republicans are defending their narrow majority in the U.S. House in the November races. Terry Casey, a longtime Republican consultant in Ohio, said Miller remains in a strong position to win the Republican-leaning district, which stretches south from Cleveland and was won decisively by Trump two years ago. However, this could change if Poindexter can attract significant money to step up his advertising in the 7th Congressional District's multiple media markets.

"Unless serious people are willing to put in serious money, I'd say beginning around $2 million, it's all nothing but lip exercises," Casey said.

Democrats' Strategy

The House Majority PAC, a super political action committee aimed at electing a Democratic majority, said it is monitoring the race's dynamics as part of its strategy to push deeper into GOP territory in this year's midterm elections.

"HMP is willing to do whatever it takes to take back the House, and nothing is off the table," spokesperson CJ Warnke said.

Allegations and Investigations

At issue in the couple's long-running dispute are claims leveled by Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, that he scalded, hit, and threatened her while they were married. Miller has denied the allegations. A recent article in the magazine Mother Jones revealed a new point of contention in their legal battle: a broken collarbone on their 2-year-old daughter that led Moreno to contact authorities.

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Cleveland) said it "would be wise" for Miller to resign. The House Democratic Women's Caucus called for an ethics investigation.

"The recent reports of domestic violence and child abuse against Representative Max Miller are deeply disturbing and Congress can't ignore them," Democratic Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico, Emilia Sykes of Ohio, and Hillary Scholten of Michigan wrote in their letter. "Allegations of violence against women and children have to be met with the utmost seriousness."

Miller's Response

Miller has denied all allegations of abuse. He did not respond to inquiries left with his campaign, his Washington office, or on his personal cellphone. Last spring, his spokesperson provided documentation to The Associated Press that showed several allegations that he had abused his daughter had been investigated by the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services and were deemed unsubstantiated. He has sued Emily Moreno for defamation.

Potential Impact on the Election

For Poindexter, the Democratic candidate, the accusations against Miller provide a possible path to an upset in November if some conservative-leaning voters opt for him or enough Republican voters are turned off by the domestic abuse allegations and stay home.

"These are serious allegations and deserve the full attention of law enforcement," Poindexter said in a statement. "If all the allegations against Congressman Miller prove to be true, Max Miller should be in jail, not worried about retaining a seat in Congress."

Jim Trakas, a former state lawmaker and GOP party chair in northeast Ohio, said Miller is not helped by the fresh developments so close to the election.

"It's a difficult year for any incumbent," he said. "Now you have to spend time on this when you want to focus on the main event, which is the pocketbook issues."