Representative Max Miller defies Republican pressure to remain on Ohio ballot despite abuse allegations

Republican Representative Max Miller has confirmed he will remain in the race for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District after letting Saturday evening’s withdrawal deadline pass, ignoring widespread calls from fellow party leaders to step down amid abuse allegations.

Miller has repeatedly denied accusations raised by his former wife, Emily Moreno. A spokesperson for the congressman confirmed on Sunday that he intends to proceed as a candidate in the upcoming November 3 midterm election.

The ongoing controversy threatens Republican efforts to secure a congressional seat long considered a GOP stronghold. Party officials had privately lobbied Miller to abandon his campaign out of concern that the scandal could harm Republican prospects in the region.

Allies of President Donald Trump also advised the former president to intervene and urge Miller to exit the contest.

Prominent Ohio Republicans have publicly disavowed Miller’s candidacy. US Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, stated that Miller should not serve in Congress, describing him as a danger to his daughter. Ohio Senator Jon Husted also called on Miller to withdraw from the ballot and resign his current seat immediately.

Miller acknowledged in a statement last week that Trump characterised his re-election battle as tough, but maintained he would stay in the race to clear his name.

The political fallout deepened after Miller released hundreds of private text messages, photos, and video files intended to bolster his defence. His legal team subsequently acknowledged that the archive inadvertently contained sensitive family information.

Miller will face Democratic nominee Brian Poindexter, a local ironworker, in the November 3 election.