Max Miller

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A congressional ethics investigation will not remove U.S. Rep. Max Miller from office, force him off the November ballot or necessarily resolve the allegations against him before voters cast their ballots.

The House Committee on Ethics is reviewing allegations that Miller, a Bay Village Republican seeking a third term, may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse or illegal drug use. The committee stressed that opening and publicly disclosing the review does not indicate that Miller committed a violation.

These are five takeaways from the original article, which examined the allegations, Miller’s response and the House review.

1. Miller remains in office and on the November ballot

The investigation does not suspend Miller or limit his congressional authority. He may continue voting, campaigning and overseeing constituent services while the committee conducts its review.

Miller also remains on the Nov. 3 ballot. His district includes southern and western Cuyahoga County, northern Wayne County and Medina and Ashland counties.

Voters therefore could decide whether to give Miller a third term before the committee announces any findings.

2. The committee is reviewing several serious allegations

Miller’s former wife, Emily Moreno, alleged in May divorce and child-custody filings that he abused her during their marriage. The filing described an incident in which she said he threw hot water on her and included photographs of bruises.

Miller has denied the allegations. He said he has not been criminally charged and that no court or government agency has substantiated an abuse claim against him.

The committee also listed possible illegal drug use among the allegations under review but disclosed no details about the allegation or its source.

3. The congressional review will not decide the former couple’s court cases

The ethics investigation is separate from the divorce and custody proceedings and Miller’s defamation lawsuit against Moreno.

Miller’s lawsuit says the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services investigated child-abuse claims raised in 2025 and 2026, found them unsubstantiated and closed the cases.

The House committee will determine whether Miller violated congressional conduct standards. It will not decide the custody dispute, defamation case or whether criminal charges are warranted.

4. Miller says he sought the investigation to clear his name

Miller said he filed paperwork requesting an ethics investigation “to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family.”

He said he would provide documents needed for a detailed examination. The committee did not say what prompted it to open the review.

The investigation followed calls for action from Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and the Democratic Women’s Caucus. Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Emily Moreno’s father, also has said Miller should not remain in Congress.

5. The committee has not established a timeline

The committee may review documents and testimony before closing the case or determining that disciplinary action is warranted.

Possible consequences range from a committee rebuke to recommendations that the House reprimand, censure or expel Miller. Expulsion would require approval from two-thirds of the House.

Committee investigations generally remain confidential while underway. The committee said it would not comment further except under its rules, leaving unresolved whether voters will receive additional findings before the election.