NEW YORK, Aug 2 - U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio said on Sunday that Representative Max Miller should not be permitted to serve in Congress, citing allegations of abuse that involve Moreno's former son-in-law.
Moreno, whose daughter Emily was married to Miller until last year, said he felt compelled to speak publicly about the situation now to protect his family. In a social media post, the senator described the previous two years as "pure hell" for his family and said he fears for their safety when Miller has custody of his granddaughter.
"If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives," Moreno wrote. He added that he believes Miller should seek professional help to end what Moreno characterized as a "clear pattern of abuse," and that Miller should not be free to continue endangering others until he does.
Emily Moreno has accused Miller of burning her with boiling water and of physically abusing both her and their toddler daughter. Miller has denied these allegations. In a separate social media video posted on Sunday, Miller disputed the assertions and said he intends to remain in his congressional race.
Moreno's public denunciation marked a change from his earlier stance, when he said he would "not litigate these matters in the media" and sought to prioritize the safety and well-being of his daughter and granddaughter while keeping the matter private. He said that Miller's "increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible."
Both Miller and Moreno rose politically in close association with President Donald Trump, a point noted amid the widening dispute. The allegations against Miller have political consequences beyond the family: they threaten to put a formerly secure Republican House seat at risk in the November midterm elections.
The balance of power in the House is narrow. Republicans currently hold a 218 to 214 edge, with three seats vacant. Democrats need to flip only a small number of seats to regain control, making any competitive races potentially consequential for control of the chamber.
Miller's spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment beyond the congressman's own social media remarks. The public clash between a sitting U.S. senator and a House member from the same state underscores both the personal and political dimensions of the allegations.
Context and next steps
At this stage, the dispute remains centered on public accusations and denials. Moreno called for Miller to seek professional help and for limits on his ability to endanger others until such help is sought; Miller has denied the accusations and said he will continue his campaign. No additional developments beyond these public statements were reported in the material provided.