WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a stark assessment of Rep. Max Miller's (R-Ohio) political standing this week, telling reporters that things "don't look good" for the embattled congressman. Johnson's remarks mark the first public statement from House Republican leadership after days of silence on Miller's situation.
Miller faces escalating demands to resign following allegations of domestic abuse and illegal drug use, which have generated growing internal pressure on the GOP conference.
Miller has forcefully denied all allegations and said publicly he intends to continue his reelection campaign, drawing a parallel to President Trump's 2016 electoral strategy.
Johnson acknowledged Miller's denials, characterizing the allegations as part of a "nasty divorce proceeding" that has become public and contentious. Johnson said Miller is conveying the same denials privately to House members as he is publicly.
Johnson maintained he was not positioned to intervene in Miller's campaign choices, calling for the "process to play out" to address the accusations. He also said Miller and his colleagues are taking the allegations seriously.
A critical deadline looms for Miller: he has until the end of this week to withdraw from the race if Republicans want to replace his name on the ballot.
Johnson also addressed Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), who faces a "big decision" of his own. Johnson said he would offer Edwards private counsel and expressed hope that Edwards would make the right choice for his family.
