Ohio Republican Max Miller Defeats Brian Poindexter in 7th District Race
The two-term congressman lost his seat after denying domestic abuse allegations and defying party pressure to resign before the election.
By Ethan Cook ·
Max Miller lost his reelection bid in Ohio's 7th Congressional District on November 3, 2026. Democrat Brian Poindexter won the race, ending Miller's two terms in Congress.
Miller kept his name on the ballot despite months of pressure from his own party. He refused to resign before a deadline that would have allowed Republicans to replace him. The contest remained in play due to allegations of domestic abuse involving Miller's ex-wife and daughter. Miller denied those claims throughout the campaign.
The political rating agency Cook Political Report initially rated the district as solidly Republican. The agency changed its assessment to a toss-up in August. That shift followed the House Ethics Committee's announcement that it was reviewing accusations of domestic abuse and illegal drug use. The committee has not released its findings. It operates under a 60-day blackout period before Election Day.
GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller's former father-in-law, publicly called for Miller to step down. Moreno described the congressman's behavior as erratic and dangerous. He stated that Miller needed serious psychological help. Moreno also accused Miller of withholding a blue bunny toy from their daughter during a custody exchange.
House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Miller's decision to run for reelection. Johnson said due process must play out. However, the Louisiana representative did not campaign alongside Miller. Johnson did visit the nearby 9th Congressional District in early October to support Republican candidate Derek Merrin.
Poindexter raised $2.4 million in the third quarter according to Federal Election Commission records. Miller raised $145,000 and loaned his campaign $1 million. Poindexter ran ads featuring audio of Moreno speaking to reporters. Miller responded with a mid-October ad criticizing the press for amplifying his family's heartbreak. He maintained that he has equal custody of his daughter, even though their divorce is finalized.
Miller attended President Trump's rally in Youngstown on October 12. The president thanked Miller for coming. Miller did not give remarks at the event. The custody battle between Miller and his ex-wife continues alongside the finalization of their divorce.
