“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,” he said. “I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake. I believe he should not be free to continue endangering others until he does.”

Based on his special announcement Sunday morning, Miller does not intend to resign or drop his reelection bid. He continues to deny that he has abused his ex-wife or their 2-year-old daughter on the basis that his former spouse is diagnosed with a mental health condition. The couple finalized their divorce in December 2025 after Miller filed for divorce in August 2024.

The congressman is suing Emily Moreno and her lawyer for defamation in relation to the domestic violence allegations against him.

Bernie Moreno has largely refrained from commenting on the interpersonal drama surrounding Miller until now. The Ohio senator said the drama has taken a toll on his family.

“As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter Emily, me, and our entire family in the aftermath of Emily’s divorce,” Bernie Moreno said.

“It has been horrific to watch this play out in full public view, all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle,” he added. “Our priority has always been protecting our daughter and our granddaughter. Out of concern for the safety of my family, I hoped to keep this matter private but Max Miller’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible.”

In response, Miller disputed his former father-in-law’s statement.

“If my daughter said the same thing to me, I personally wouldn’t wait two years before holding him accountable,” he said. “You know this isn’t true and the only reason you are speaking out now is to hide from your own media circus. This is all political.”

Bernie Moreno broke his silence on the matter because he believed it was important to tell the truth, he said.

REP. MAX MILLER CITES EX-WIFE EMILY MORENO’S ‘MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES’ IN DENYING ABUSE ALLEGATIONS

“I ran for office because I wanted to make a difference for the country that gave me every opportunity to succeed, and to leave this nation better for my children and grandchildren,” Bernie Moreno said. “That sacrifice has been especially hard on my wife Bridget, whose big heart and steady support have never wavered. I owe it to her, to Emily, and to my granddaughter to speak the truth now.”

Endorsed by President Donald Trump, Miller is seeking reelection in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. Bernie Moreno has supported Miller in the past through financial contributions to his political committees when the House Republican was married to Emily Moreno.