Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) is facing growing questions about his campaign for a third term representing Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, as allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife have engulfed his reelection campaign.
The controversy intensified after renewed public attention to allegations made by Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, during their ongoing custody dispute. She has accused Miller of physically abusing her during their marriage and of endangering their young daughter.
The dispute escalated further over the weekend when Miller’s former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), said Miller should not continue serving in Congress and urged him to seek psychiatric help.
Miller has repeatedly denied the allegations and said Sunday that he has no plans to end his campaign, declaring in a livestream that he is “not dropping out” ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for replacing candidates on the November ballot.
Still, the deadline has become increasingly significant as Republicans weigh their options should Miller reverse course.
What happens if Miller withdraws?
Ohio election law allows a political party to replace a congressional nominee who withdraws before the state’s candidate replacement deadline.
If Miller were to formally withdraw by Aug. 5, or 90 days before the general election, Ohio’s Republican Party for the 7th District would convene to select a replacement nominee under state law. The committee is made up of Republican officials from the counties that make up the district, with voting strength generally weighted by Republican turnout or party rules adopted for the district.
The committee would have four days to vote on and nominate a new Republican candidate, and the party would certify that selection to the Ohio secretary of state’s office in time for the ballot certification process.
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If Miller remains in the race past the deadline, replacing him becomes substantially more difficult because ballots must be finalized for military and overseas voters well ahead of the November election. Barring extraordinary circumstances recognized under state law, the Republican Party would effectively lose its opportunity to substitute another nominee.
The timing carries significant political consequences beyond Miller’s own future as the district has long leaned Republican, but Democrats have viewed the race as increasingly competitive amid the controversy surrounding Miller. Democrats could use the next few weeks to boost their candidate, union ironworker Brian Poindexter, to sway undecided and centrist Republicans. However, it is more likely a liberal victory would be decided by Republican voters who choose to sit out this election due to the allegations against Miller.
A late withdrawal without a replacement option could leave Republicans scrambling in a district they had expected to hold comfortably, while a timely exit would give party leaders an opportunity to nominate a new candidate before ballots are finalized.
Who could replace him?
No Republican has announced interest in replacing Miller, since he has insisted he is staying in the race.
Should the seat become vacant on the ballot, attention would likely turn to Republicans with existing political organizations or name recognition in northeastern Ohio.
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Possible names discussed by Ohio political observers include state Rep. Mike Dovilla and former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin. Local lawmakers or country officials could also emerge as contenders if the vacancy committee is forced to act.
Any replacement would ultimately be selected by party officials rather than through a special primary election. For now, however, Miller has maintained he will remain on the ballot, leaving the GOP with little choice but to prepare for both possibilities as Wednesday’s deadline approaches.