President Donald Trump's team told Republicans in Ohio to back off on trying to oust Rep. Max Miller as allegations of domestic abuse surfaced, according to reports on Monday.
Ohio GOP leaders were considering pressuring Miller to end his reelection campaign as the MAGA lawmaker had continued to deny the serious accusations and was determined to remain in the race, Politico reported. Trump administration officials called Republicans in the state to urge them not to push him out.
"They basically told us to back off and let the voters decide," one Ohio Republican involved in the Trump admin and GOP leadership talks told Politico.
But now, GOP insiders have warned that Miller's seat could be vulnerable for a Democratic win and the "allegations could haunt Miller," according to Politico.
Miller will face off in November against union ironworker Brian Poindexter, who has focused on targeting high gas prices and the Iran war as talking points throughout his campaign.
"As I’ve said before, if the accusations against Max Miller are proven true, he should be in prison, not in Congress. It’s unfortunate that Miller has chosen to keep putting his ex-wife and her family through this nightmare in the public spotlight," Poindexter said in a statement. "But let me be perfectly clear. I got into this campaign to fight for my neighbors and for working people across this district. That continues to be my north star."
Miller had until 4 p.m. Monday to decide if he would leave the race, but has continued to deny the allegations against him.
"It comes at a time when Republicans cannot afford to lose any members of their slim majority without risking a House Democratic takeover in 2027," according to Politico. "Ohio’s 7th Congressional District was, just weeks ago, considered safely red; now, Republicans have polling that shows Miller underwater in his district."