WASHINGTON—U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie and Rob Bresnahan are under pressure to return campaign donations from Ohio Rep. Max Miller's political action committee. Democrats criticize the Pennsylvania lawmakers for keeping the money during domestic abuse allegations against Miller.
The allegations against Miller were made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, daughter of Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno. She claims Miller committed repeated physical violence during their marriage and divorce. Miller denies the allegations and has not been charged with a crime.
Miller's Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC distributed $112,000 to other committees. The PAC disbursed $2,500 to the campaigns of Fitzpatrick, Mackenzie and Bresnahan in late March.
Records show Mackenzie and Bresnahan received $2,500 contributions on March 27. Fitzpatrick's campaign accepted a similar amount the following day. The allegations against Miller had not been publicly disclosed at the time of these donations.
Democrats quickly highlighted the contributions, tying them to the three lawmakers' competitive reelection bids. "Ryan Mackenzie is showing his true colors," said Benny Stanislawski, communications director for Democratic candidate Bob Brooks in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.
The $2,500 contributions are a small fraction of the total funds raised by the Republican campaigns. Fitzpatrick's campaign raised more than $1.17 million in the first quarter, while Bresnahan raised $1.2 million and Mackenzie raised $907,000.
Miller, a two-term Republican, served in Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and held positions in the Treasury Department and White House. He was a special assistant to President Trump and helped organize the 2020 Republican National Convention. Miller, a staunch Trump supporter, said the Jan. 6 attack was "not an insurrection."
Despite the controversy, Miller resists calls to withdraw from his reelection campaign. He maintains strong support in his district and believes he can raise funds to win. The situation places other House Republicans in a difficult political position.
The Republican National Committee has distanced itself from Miller's reelection efforts, saying it has not committed to spending money for his campaign. Only one House Republican has publicly announced returning a contribution from Miller's PAC.
