WASHINGTON — Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is staying in his re-election race, brushing aside private pressure from President Trump and White House officials to step down over abuse allegations made by his ex-wife.
Trump privately conveyed to Miller that he should withdraw, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The allegations have put the Republican Party in an awkward position, forcing leaders to decide whether to stand behind an embattled incumbent or scramble to replace him.
White House officials warned Ohio Republicans that Miller would not drop out, discouraging replacement efforts before they could gain traction.
Ohio state law sets a 4 p.m. deadline Monday for local party leaders to name a new candidate. The law also requires two days' notice to convene a meeting, meaning Miller would need to end his campaign by Friday or Saturday for a replacement to qualify.
Miller has publicly shrugged off the pressure and signaled his intent to stay in the race.
With the deadline approaching, Ohio Republican leaders are left weighing whether to back a candidate under a cloud of allegations or attempt a time-pressured replacement process the White House has already tried to head off.
