Ohio Congressman Max Miller Faces Resignation Calls Amid Domestic Abuse Allegations from Ex-Wife and Ex-Girlfriend
Ohio’s 7th‑district representative, Max Miller, finds himself at the center of a storm as accusations of domestic abuse from his ex‑wife Emily Moreno and former girlfriend Stephanie Grisham have surfaced during his re‑election bid.
The 37‑year‑old was elected to the House in 2023 and had previously worked as a political appointee in the first Trump administration. He has denied every allegation. In a June interview with Spectrum News, Miller said, “They’re false allegations. Our divorce was finalized on December 18 in 2025. No police reports were ever filed.” Those statements match public records: the divorce was indeed finalized on that date, and no law‑enforcement filings have been reported.
Moreno, a conservative policy adviser, and Miller share a two‑year‑old daughter. Since 2024, the pair have fought over custody. Moreno claims that during their marriage, which began in 2022, Miller threw hot water at her and held a gun to her head. She also says he spoke to her in an “inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning” manner that she believes harms their child. These allegations are part of a broader defamation lawsuit she filed against Miller in May 2026.
Miller’s former girlfriend, Stephanie Grisham, who was White House press secretary during Trump’s first administration, dated him from 2019 to 2020. In a 2021 Washington Post op‑ed, Grisham described a relationship that “turned abusive” and a partner who was “physical” with her. She did not name Miller in the article, but the piece was widely understood to refer to him. Grisham later confirmed the identity of the partner in a New York Times interview. She sued Miller for defamation, but the lawsuit was dropped as part of a confidential settlement. Grisham has since filed a new lawsuit alleging that Miller violated the settlement by making comments to Spectrum News.
Miller’s response to Grisham’s claims was also recorded on X in May. He accused Moreno’s father, Republican U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, of “continues to fund and enable his daughter’s malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues,” adding, “These antics harm your own grandchild.” A spokesperson for Senator Moreno said the senator’s priority is the safety of his daughter and granddaughter and that he would not litigate the matter publicly.
The controversy has drawn national attention. On Wednesday, the gun‑violence prevention group Giffords—founded by former Rep. Gabby Giffords—issued a statement calling for Miller’s resignation. Executive director Emma Brown said, “Congress is no place for violent abusers who attack their family and hold a gun to their wife’s head. Max Miller needs to resign now – and if he refuses, the House should expel him.” Brown added that if Republicans in Congress shield dangerous abusers, voters will take away their majority in November.
Miller’s Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, also weighed in. He said, “If the allegations prove to be true … Miller should be in jail, not worried about retaining a seat in Congress.” Poindexter trailed Miller by a single point in a June poll.
The Guardian reached out to Miller’s campaign and office for comment, but no response was received. Earlier this month, Miller described a New York Times reporter as “disgusting” when approached for comment.
The case illustrates how personal conduct can intersect with public office. While Miller maintains that no police reports were filed and that he has no evidence of wrongdoing, the allegations—supported by his ex‑wife’s testimony and Grisham’s public statements—have prompted calls for resignation and potential disciplinary action. The outcome will depend on the legal proceedings that are already underway and the political response from both parties.
As the election cycle continues, Ohio voters will have to weigh the allegations against Miller’s legislative record. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing lawsuits and public statements shaping the narrative.
