Deadline passes for Rep. Max Miller to be replaced on Ohio ballot as he faces domestic abuse claims

Columbus, Ohio (AP) — Republican Rep. Max Miller, who is facing domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, has decided to continue his campaign for his Ohio congressional district seat despite calls from within his party to step aside. His decision to stay in the race is causing difficulties for the Republican Party, which had not anticipated needing to defend the seat during the upcoming midterm elections.

The Democratic challenger, Brian Poindexter, has taken advantage of Miller's controversies, promising voters that he would "serve with honor." Consequently, Monday marked the final opportunity for Republicans to replace Miller on the general election ballot in Ohio, leaving the congressman in a competitive race. Democrats supporting U.S. House campaigns have been monitoring the race in Ohio's 7th Congressional District, located south of Cleveland, to determine if they should increase their support for Poindexter.

Miller, a 37-year-old incumbent, is confident he can win the district, with President Donald Trump backing him by calling him a "good person." Both of Ohio's senators, including Miller's ex-father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, have urged him to withdraw from the race. However, Trump refrained from making a similar endorsement, stating that Miller's legal dispute with his ex-wife should be resolved privately.

Miller, who served as a senior aide to Trump during his first term, remains optimistic about his chances of victory, citing the district's historical Republican lean and his strong connections with constituents.