Poindexter Defeats Miller in Ohio House Race

Poindexter, a former Brook Park councilor who works as a union ironworker, defeated Miller after the Republican’s campaign was shaken by domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller denied the allegations and conceded the race late on November 3. NBC News projected Poindexter as the winner shortly after midnight on November 4.

Ohio Voters Oust Miller After Abuse Allegations Shadow Campaign

Ohio voters removed Max Miller from Congress after months of abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, dominated a race Republicans had expected to win. Democrat Brian Poindexter, who works as a union ironworker and previously served on the Brook Park council, won the Cleveland-area district, and Miller conceded late on November 3. NBC News projected Poindexter as the winner just after midnight on November 4.

Moreno accused Miller of violence, including holding a gun to her head and throwing hot water on her. Miller denied wrongdoing. Allegations involving the couple’s young daughter were investigated by Cuyahoga County’s Division of Children and Family Services, which found insufficient evidence to substantiate abuse or neglect.

The allegations made the contest competitive in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. Poindexter and his allies featured the accusations in campaign advertising, while Miller’s campaign portrayed the public scrutiny as an intrusion into his family life.

The result sends a union worker to Congress and leaves Miller facing a custody dispute with Moreno. His loss also follows calls from Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno, Emily Moreno’s father, for Miller to leave office. A House Ethics Committee review of allegations against Miller remained unresolved.

Voters Oust Miller as Allegations Overwhelm Ohio GOP Seat

Ohio Republicans lost a seat they had expected to keep, as Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated Rep. Max Miller in the Cleveland-area 7th District. Miller conceded late on November 3, and NBC News projected Poindexter as the winner shortly after midnight on November 4.

The contest turned on allegations from Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who accused him of domestic abuse. Miller denied the claims. Allegations concerning their daughter were investigated by Cuyahoga County’s Division of Children and Family Services, which found insufficient evidence to substantiate abuse or neglect.

The district had backed Donald Trump by 11 points in 2024, and Miller had won his previous election by a wide margin. But the accusations, calls from Sen. Bernie Moreno for Miller to step aside, and extensive campaign advertising pushed the seat into contention. Trump voiced support for Miller during the campaign’s final days.

Poindexter, a union ironworker and former city councilman, also faced scrutiny over past arrests and allegations. He said he had turned his life around. Miller’s defeat leaves a House seat in Democratic hands, while an ethics review of allegations against him remained unresolved and his custody dispute continued.