U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno has publicly called on Rep. Max Miller, his former son-in-law, to step down from the House of Representatives as Miller faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of domestic abuse connected to a long-running custody dispute.
Moreno, an Ohio Republican, made the comments Sunday after Miller defended himself during a livestream on X, where he denied allegations made by his former wife, Emily Moreno, the senator’s daughter.
In a lengthy statement, Moreno said Miller did not meet the standards expected of elected officials and urged him not to continue serving in Congress.
Senator Says Miller Should Not Remain in Office
Moreno said that public officials must meet basic expectations of character and argued that Miller’s actions made him unfit for congressional service.
The senator also expressed concern about his daughter and granddaughter during the ongoing custody dispute, saying he believed the situation required serious attention.
Moreno had avoided directly addressing the allegations for months while the family dispute unfolded publicly. His latest remarks represent a significant shift in his position.
Miller Denies Allegations and Plans to Stay in Race
Miller, who previously served as a White House adviser during President Donald Trump’s first administration, rejected the accusations during his online statement.
The Ohio Republican lawmaker said he would continue his campaign for reelection and insisted he would remain on the ballot ahead of an upcoming deadline for replacing candidates.
“I’m not dropping out of this race and I’ll win in November,” Miller said while denying allegations involving his former wife and daughter.
Miller also released a large collection of court records, investigative materials and recordings connected to the custody dispute in an effort to defend his position.
Trump Says Allegations Are Being Reviewed
President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Miller, said Sunday that he was aware of the accusations but had not reached a conclusion.
Trump described the matter as allegations at this stage and said he would review the situation.
The controversy has created uncertainty around a Republican-held congressional district in northeastern Ohio, where Democrats believe they may have an opportunity to compete if Miller remains under pressure.
Allegations Intensify Amid Custody Dispute
The accusations against Miller have existed for several years but gained renewed attention as legal disputes between the former couple intensified.
Emily Moreno has alleged that Miller physically abused and threatened her during their marriage. Miller has repeatedly denied those claims.
The former couple, who married in 2022 and finalized their divorce last year, have also offered conflicting accounts regarding an injury involving their young daughter. Court records and police reports have documented competing explanations of the incident.
Ex-Wife’s Representative Criticizes Miller’s Defense
A spokesperson for Emily Moreno criticized Miller’s public response, calling the video a political effort rather than a meaningful explanation of the allegations.
The spokesperson said the matter should be resolved through legal proceedings rather than public statements and expressed confidence that the court process would determine the outcome.
Political Fallout Grows in Ohio
The dispute has triggered political discussions about Miller’s future and whether Republicans could seek another candidate if he leaves the race.
Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter said individuals facing serious allegations should not hold public office and called for greater accountability.
Several Republican figures have reportedly emerged as possible alternatives should Miller withdraw, though no formal changes have been announced.
Democrats have also called for Miller’s resignation, requested a congressional ethics review and argued that the controversy could reshape the race for the northeastern Ohio seat.
Miller narrowly won reelection in the district two years ago, securing slightly more than half of the vote.
As the legal dispute continues, the political impact of the allegations remains uncertain, with both parties closely watching developments ahead of the November election.
