GOP Rep. Max Miller resists pressure to drop reelection bid as party anxiety grows over abuse claims
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-06 13:23:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Expresses Doubt Over Max Miller’s Reelection Prospects Amid Ethics Investigation
President Donald Trump has privately expressed skepticism about Ohio Rep. Max Miller’s chances of holding onto his congressional seat as Miller faces a House ethics investigation into domestic abuse allegations. In a recent CNN interview, Miller said he discussed his reelection prospects with Trump, who told him, “I don’t know if you’re going to be able to, you know, pull this one out.”
Trump’s Position on Miller’s Campaign
Miller, who served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first term, emphasized that he remains committed to his campaign, even stating that he would not withdraw from the race “even if Trump were to ask him to step aside.” This underscores Miller’s determination to stay in the race despite mounting pressure from within his own party and growing concerns about his electability.
Party Concerns and Ethics Probe
Republican strategists are reportedly worried that Miller’s chances in the competitive Cleveland-area district have evaporated due to renewed scrutiny of the allegations and his public attempts to defend himself. The House Ethics Committee recently opened an investigation into whether Miller “may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use,” following calls from both Democratic lawmakers and Miller himself for a review.
Context and Fallout
The allegations against Miller, made by his ex-wife Emily Moreno and former girlfriend Stephanie Grisham, have been public for years but have gained new attention in recent weeks. Miller has denied the accusations and insisted he had no involvement in a recent injury to his daughter that prompted Moreno to contact authorities.
Conclusion
Trump’s candid assessment of Miller’s electoral prospects highlights the political fallout from the ongoing ethics investigation. As the deadline approaches for Republicans to potentially replace Miller on the November ballot, the situation underscores the broader challenges facing the party in navigating scandals and maintaining control in closely contested districts.