Max Miller remains in Ohio House race as GOP replacement window closes
Max Miller did not meet the practical cutoff for Ohio Republicans to replace him, leaving him set to face Brian Poindexter in November.
By Theo Nakamura · Staff Writer
· 3 min read
Rep. Max Miller remains the Republican candidate in Ohio’s 7th District after the practical window to replace him closed Saturday. For voters following the Max Miller Ohio House race, the key point is procedural: Ohio Republicans still faced a Monday 4 p.m. certification deadline, but they no longer had enough time to select a substitute, according to CNBC and Axios.
Miller did not withdraw by Saturday, the date that would have allowed local party officials to receive the required two days’ notice and meet to choose a new nominee before Monday’s deadline. Axios reported that Miller’s campaign spokesperson told The New York Times on Saturday that he would stay in the race.
The result leaves Miller positioned to face Democrat Brian Poindexter in November. The district had been seen as Republican-leaning, while the party is trying to defend a narrow House majority, CNBC reported.
Why could Ohio Republicans not replace Max Miller?
Ohio’s process required the local Republican officials who would choose a replacement to get at least two days’ notice before their meeting. That meant Miller needed to formally withdraw by Saturday for a replacement to be certified by the Monday afternoon deadline, CNBC and Axios reported.
The formal deadline had not yet passed in the reporting, but the practical opportunity to put another Republican nominee in place appeared to have ended. Axios reported that the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections still listed Miller as an active candidate early Sunday.
Miller could still withdraw and have his name taken off the ballot, CNBC reported. But that step would leave Republicans without a nominee in the district rather than create a new opportunity to name one.
What is behind the pressure on Miller?
Miller has faced calls from fellow Republicans to leave office and end his campaign after his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, alleged that he abused her and their young daughter. Miller denies the allegations, CNBC reported.
Ohio Sens. Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, and Jon Husted called for him to step aside, according to CNBC. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson continued to support Miller, the outlet reported.
The House Ethics Committee also opened an investigation into whether Miller may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use. CNBC reported that Miller had asked the committee to investigate him. The committee’s inquiry does not establish that any misconduct occurred.
Poindexter, Miller’s Democratic opponent, is a Brook Park city councilman and union ironworker, according to WKYC and Axios. With the GOP’s replacement route effectively closed, the November contest will proceed with Miller as the party’s candidate unless he later withdraws without a replacement nominee.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.
