Former Son-in-Law Bernie Moreno Calls for Max Miller to Seek Professional Help Amid Domestic Abuse Allegations
U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno calls on his former son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), to seek professional help amid domestic abuse allegations and ongoing custody dispute with daughter Emily Moreno.
What happened
U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno has publicly called on his former son-in-law, U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), to seek professional help as the congressman defends himself against allegations of domestic abuse, according to a live video post on X published Sunday, August 2, 2026.
In a lengthy statement, Moreno said: "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives." The senator added that Miller "needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter."
The allegations emerge during an ongoing bitter custody dispute between Miller and his daughter Emily Moreno. Emily Moreno has stated that Miller scalded, hit and threatened her while they were married, though Miller has denied those allegations in a video response.
A spokesperson for Emily Moreno, Stefan Mychajliw, characterized Miller's video as "shameful" and stated: "No loving parent would have ever used their daughter as a PR pawn to save their own political career."
Sen. Moreno's top priority is the safety and well-being of his daughter and granddaughter, according to spokesperson Reagan McCarthy.
Miller, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, said Sunday that he will remain in his race for reelection before a Wednesday deadline. Democrats have called on Miller to resign, requested a congressional ethics investigation, and suggested more help could be directed toward Miller's Democratic opponent Brian Poindexter.
Among Republicans whose names were being floated should Miller drop his fall House bid are State Rep. Mike Dovilla (U.S. Navy veteran, former presidential appointee to Office of Personnel Management) and Kevin Coughlin (former state senator and representative who ran for U.S. House in 2024 and 2026).
Why it matters
The domestic abuse allegations against Max Miller present a new opportunity for Democrats in the northeast Ohio congressional seat, where the Republican incumbent faces mounting pressure. Miller won reelection two years ago with just over 51% of the vote.
Moreno's public comments mark a significant escalation in the personal and political fallout from the custody dispute between father-in-law and daughter. The allegations have drawn attention beyond the immediate family, with calls for an ethics investigation and suggestions that additional resources be directed toward Miller's Democratic opponent Brian Poindexter.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between personal conduct standards and electoral politics, particularly when high-profile figures like President Trump endorse candidates facing serious allegations.
What to watch
- Whether Max Miller will drop his reelection bid before the Wednesday deadline
- The outcome of any congressional ethics investigation into the allegations
- How the custody dispute continues to evolve between Miller and Emily Moreno
- Whether additional Republican alternatives emerge if Miller drops out
- The impact on Democratic fundraising and polling in northeast Ohio
By the numbers
Source snapshot
Sources: https://apnews.com/article/max-miller-abuse-allegations-trump-335959b543bb410b51540ea9c6ec2571