President Donald Trump reportedly warned Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) on Monday that "things aren’t looking good" for his reelection campaign, even after publicly calling Miller "a good person" as he faces domestic abuse allegations he denies.
Trump’s Private Warning Contrasts With Public Praise
Trump called Miller Monday night and repeatedly said winning another term would be difficult, three people familiar with the conversation told Axios. Miller said he would remain in the race and cited internal polling showing him in a solid position.
The private warning contrasted with Trump’s earlier comments. "I know Max, he’s a good person, I mean I always thought he was a very good person," Trump said Monday. "And I’m going to let the families figure that out." He added, "It’s accusations."
Abuse Allegations Put Republican Seat At Risk
Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him in court filings of physically abusing her and their young daughter. Miller denies the claims and has sued Moreno for defamation. Reuters reported that her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), called Miller "a danger" to his daughter and said he "should not serve in the House of Representatives."
The dispute threatens a seat Republicans had viewed as relatively safe as the party defends its razor-thin House majority. Democrats need only a handful of gains to take control, increasing scrutiny of Trump’s influence over Republican candidates before the midterms.
Benzinga reached out to the White House and Miller’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Miller won Ohio’s 7th Congressional District with just over 51% in 2024. Democrats now see an opening for union ironworker Brian Poindexter, whom Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has endorsed. The House Majority PAC said it was monitoring the race and that "nothing is off the table," as prediction markets favor Democrats to flip the House.
Replacement Questions Grow Before Withdrawal Deadline
Miller would need to withdraw by Wednesday to trigger a special election for his replacement. Republicans could otherwise choose a substitute through a party committee and certify that candidate by Aug. 10, Axios reported.
Former Rep. Jim Renacci (R) has emerged as a serious potential replacement. He told Axios separately in an interview that "everybody" had been calling him and confirmed polling was testing his viability, though he added, "I truly don’t believe Max is leaving."
Miller insisted on Sunday, "I’m not getting out of this race, and I’m winning in November."
Image credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
