House Republicans back Max Miller reelection, but keep their distance

Many House Republicans are backing Rep. Max Miller’s (R-Ohio) bid for reelection — but they’re also keeping their distance.

Those Republicans want to preserve a seat once considered safely in GOP hands while at the same time avoiding any discussion of the domestic abuse allegations that have engulfed the Ohio Republican.

Miller has faced mounting scrutiny in recent months after his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of throwing hot water at her, pointing a gun at her head and breaking their daughter’s collarbone. Miller has denied the allegations.

He has also remained in the reelection race, despite calls from a number of Senate Republicans, including his former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), for him to resign and abandon his campaign.

His insistence on staying in the race has put House GOP leaders in a bind as they seek to protect their razor-thin majority in a midterm cycle that historically puts the president’s party on the defensive. They have little incentive to give up on a seat they need to hold, but also little appetite for publicly defending Miller against the allegations.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said last week that he supports Miller’s reelection bid and called him a “great member.” The House Ethics Committee is investigating Miller over domestic abuse and illegal drug use allegations.

“He’s running a good campaign,” Johnson said last week, according to Politico. “He has a nasty divorce. He’s, of course, vehemently denied the claims made. And as I’ve said many times, we allow due process to play out.”

Despite that, Johnson said he has “no plans” to campaign with Miller, according to Politico.

“I have no plans to go to Ohio between now and the election,” Johnson said. “I’ve said everything I can say about the situation. It’s up to the people........

© The Hill