Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, is calling on Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, to withdraw from his reelection campaign as allegations of domestic abuse made by Miller’s ex-wife continue to intensify and draw condemnation from fellow Republicans.
Husted’s remarks came after Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., issued a sharply worded statement urging Miller to leave the race, describing the Ohio congressman as a “degenerate sociopath.”
The controversy stems from accusations made by Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who alleges that the congressman physically and emotionally abused both her and their young daughter. Emily Moreno is the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who has also publicly urged his former son-in-law to step aside in recent days.
Emily Moreno has accused Miller of multiple acts of abuse, including throwing scalding hot water on her, holding a gun to her head, and fracturing their infant daughter’s collarbone.
Miller has strongly denied the allegations. He has also filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
In a statement, Husted said lawmakers found to have committed domestic violence should not remain in office.
“Anyone who commits domestic violence is not fit to serve in Congress,” Husted said. “The House Ethics Committee should thoroughly investigate any credible allegations, and any member found to have committed domestic violence should resign from Congress immediately.”
Husted also acknowledged that he personally knows both Miller and Emily Moreno, as well as their families, and expressed sadness that their personal dispute has become so public.
“I know both Max Miller and Emily Moreno, as well as their families. I am deeply saddened that their personal lives have become such a public matter, especially as it relates to their daughter, Ruthie,” he said.
According to Husted, both parents appear to agree that their daughter’s well-being should remain the top priority.
“One thing they both seem to agree on is that Ruthie’s best interests should come first,” Husted said, adding that those interests would be better served by resolving their disputes privately rather than through public litigation.
The senator argued that continuing a congressional campaign benefits neither parent nor their daughter.
“Given everything they are facing, I do not see how a campaign for Congress benefits any of them,” Husted said. “I believe Max would be making the right decision to step aside as a candidate and resign from Congress to focus on what is in the best interest of his daughter.”
Husted added that he believes Miller would eventually recognize such a decision as the right one.
“Years from now, I believe he will look back and know it was the right choice for her,” he said.
The senator concluded by expressing hope that stepping away from public office would allow both parents to focus on raising their daughter as private citizens.
“I hope this decision leads to a more constructive conversation about Ruthie’s future and gives Max and Emily the opportunity, as private citizens, to do what is best for their daughter,” Husted said. “My prayers are with them and their family.”
The pressure on Miller has continued to build from within Republican ranks.
Sen. Tim Sheehy joined earlier calls from Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan., urging Miller to exit the race.
“What kind of person would treat their daughter this way?” Sheehy said in his statement. “This guy is clearly a degenerate sociopath.”
Sheehy also argued that Miller should remove himself from the campaign and seek help.
“Max should step aside and seek help,” Sheehy said. “Staying in this race makes it far more likely we lose this seat and hand Democrats a majority to impeach President Trump.”