WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, on Tuesday, reviewing allegations that he "may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use." The committee's action followed Miller's public declaration that he would ask for a probe into himself.
The committee confirmed its review of potential violations of congressional codes of conduct and said an investigation does not itself indicate any violation occurred.
Miller, who seeks a third term in the House, announced his plan on social media earlier Tuesday. He wrote that he intended to "clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family" and had "absolutely nothing to hide."
The allegations have circulated during his reelection campaign. They stem from an ongoing custody dispute with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio.
Court records filed this year show Emily Moreno accused Miller of violent behavior during their two-year marriage. She alleged Miller pushed her against a wall and threw hot water at her, causing burns. She also alleged Miller once held a gun to her head.
Moreno further alleged Miller fractured their young daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied all claims, saying in a video over the weekend that he has never been physically abusive toward her.
Miller specifically denied holding a gun to Moreno's head. He characterized the hot water incident as "horseplay" with a kitchen sink hose and said his former wife engages in a "pattern of reporting incredible serious and destructive allegations with absolutely no evidence."
Addressing the child abuse allegations, Miller said, "I have never abused our daughter."
Sen. Bernie Moreno issued a sharp rebuke. He said Miller "needs serious psychological help," called him a "danger to my daughter" and said he holds his breath "every minute he has custody of my granddaughter." He said Miller fails "any basic standards of character required to hold elected office."
The controversy has increased pressure on Miller to withdraw from the race for his northeast Ohio seat. Republicans are working to preserve their thin House majority in this fall's midterm elections.
Miller won the seat by 15 points in 2024, but some GOP officials fear the ethics probe and allegations have positioned Democratic opponent Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker, to flip the seat.
Miller said he intends to remain in the race.
