Ohio Congressman Max Miller Loses Seat to Democrat After Domestic Abuse Fight

CBS News projected that Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated incumbent Republican Max Miller in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday.

The race began as a safe Republican hold earlier in the year. The Cook Political Report rated the district solidly for Miller at the start of 2026. By August, the firm shifted its rating to a toss-up. This change followed public allegations of domestic abuse against Miller’s ex-wife and their young daughter. Miller denied the claims but declined to resign before the deadline that would have allowed Republicans to select a replacement candidate for the November ballot.

Pressure mounted from within the Republican Party during the summer. Bernie Moreno, a U.S. Senator from Ohio and Miller’s former father-in-law, called for Miller’s resignation. Moreno described Miller’s behavior as increasingly erratic and dangerous. He stated that Miller needed serious psychological help. The House Ethics Committee announced in early August that it was reviewing allegations of domestic abuse and illegal drug use. Miller requested the investigation to clear his name. The committee has not released findings due to a 60-day blackout period before Election Day.

House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Miller’s bid for reelection. Johnson said the party must let due process play out. However, Johnson did not campaign with Miller in the final weeks. Johnson did visit the nearby 9th Congressional District in early October to support Republican candidate Derek Merrin. Miller attended President Donald Trump’s rally in Youngstown on October 12. The president thanked Miller for attending, but Miller did not give remarks.

Fundraising records from the Federal Election Commission show a gap between the two candidates. Poindexter raised $2.4 million in the third quarter. Miller raised $145,000 and loaned his own campaign $1 million. Poindexter, a union ironworker and former Brook Park City Council member, used ads to feature the abuse allegations. One ad included audio of Moreno speaking to reporters in August. Moreno accused Miller of withholding a blue bunny toy during a custody exchange.

Miller launched a counter-ad in mid-October. He criticized the relentless press for amplifying his family’s heartbreak. In the spot, he denied the abuse allegations and stated that he has equal custody of his daughter. Their divorce is finalized, but they are still engaged in a custody battle.