In Cleveland’s Cuyahoga County Courthouse, Rep. Max Miller, a Republican incumbent seeking reelection, sat on a wooden bench alongside Senator Bernie Moreno and his daughter, Emily Moreno, while a judge reviewed a request for a restraining order. The hearing is part of a protracted domestic‑relations case that began when Emily Moreno accused her ex‑husband, Miller, of abuse, including an alleged incident where he pointed a gun at her.
Miller has denied the allegations, describing his ex‑wife as manipulative and suffering from mental illness. Emily’s attorney, Andrew Zashin, sought a restraining order after Miller allegedly grabbed the bag of another attorney outside a prior hearing. The judge ultimately issued a mutual restraining order: Miller may not contact Emily’s lawyers outside of court proceedings, and Emily may not contact Miller’s lawyers outside of court proceedings.
The courtroom drama has drawn national attention because Miller’s political future is at stake. Democrats see an opportunity to flip the solidly Republican district, and several party leaders have urged Miller to withdraw. President Donald Trump reportedly told allies he doubts Miller can win, though Miller says he feels confident about staying in the race.
After the hearing, Miller’s lawyer, Larry Zukerman, criticized what he called a “political circus” surrounding the case, arguing that the focus on personal allegations distracts from the work Miller intends to do for his constituents.
Legal and ethical investigations continue
Miller has asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate the allegations, and the committee announced it is reviewing claims that he may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use. Miller, a former Marine Corps Reserve member and White House staffer, admitted to using illegal drugs several years ago but says he no longer does. He also disclosed that he takes testosterone replacement therapy.
Earlier this month, Miller posted a link to a Dropbox folder containing hundreds of messages, videos, and images related to his ex‑wife’s case. The folder included sensitive, unredacted family material, including a photo of his two‑year‑old daughter in the nude taken during a medical inquiry. Miller’s attorney, Aaron Minc, took responsibility for the disclosure, and Miller called the incident “awful” while denying reckless intent.
Impact on the upcoming election
The court proceedings and surrounding media coverage have intensified calls for Miller to step aside before the Republican primary deadline. Despite the pressure, Miller has said he will remain on the ballot, emphasizing his desire to protect his family from political and social‑media attacks.
Local voters in Ohio’s 9th district will decide in November whether Miller’s legal battles and personal controversies outweigh his legislative record. The outcome could shift the balance of power in a district that has been a Republican stronghold for years.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
