Ethics Investigation Launched into Rep. Max Miller

The House Ethics Committee has initiated an inquiry into Rep. Max Miller following his request to investigate allegations of domestic abuse linked to his reelection campaign. The announcement was made on Tuesday, as the committee examines claims that Miller may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use, which would breach congressional conduct standards.

The committee’s statement clarified that launching an investigation does not imply a violation occurred. Earlier on Tuesday, Miller expressed his intention to request this probe, stating, “In light of all the renewed interest in my family affairs I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family. I have absolutely nothing to hide.”

Miller seeks a third term in the House and is embroiled in a contentious custody dispute with his former wife, Emily Moreno, daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. Moreno filed for divorce from Miller in 2024 after two years of marriage, accusing him of violent and abusive conduct. Court documents from earlier this year claim Miller scalded her with hot water, pushed her against a wall, and once threatened her with a gun. He is also accused of fracturing their daughter’s collarbone.

Miller denied these claims, asserting in a social media video that he never physically harmed Moreno, never threatened with a gun, and described the water incident as “horseplay” with a kitchen sink hose. “My former wife is engaging in a pattern of reporting incredible serious and destructive allegations with absolutely no evidence,” Miller remarked. Regarding the child abuse accusation, he said, “I have never abused our daughter.”

Sen. Moreno criticized Miller, advising him to seek psychological help. “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter. If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them,” Moreno stated.

Despite the controversy, Miller announced his intention to continue his campaign for the northeast Ohio seat. However, his candidacy faces pressure as Republicans aim to maintain their narrow majority in upcoming elections. Miller previously won by a 15-point margin in 2024. Currently, party officials worry his Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, might leverage the situation to gain an advantage.