Ohio Democrat flips 7th District after incumbent fights abuse claims

Ohio’s 7th Congressional District has a new representative. Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated incumbent Republican Max Miller on Tuesday, ending two years of Republican control in the northeastern Ohio seat.

The campaign was defined by personal allegations against Miller. He faced claims of domestic abuse involving his ex-wife and young daughter. Miller denied the accusations throughout the race, but the controversy altered the political dynamics in a district that had been safely Republican for decades. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the race from solid Republican earlier in the year to a toss-up in August.

Miller stayed in the race despite pressure from party members to step down before the summer deadline that would have allowed for a replacement on the ballot. Some Republicans argued he should resign. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, was vocal in his criticism. Moreno described Miller’s behavior as increasingly erratic and dangerous and said he needs serious psychological help.

Poindexter used Moreno’s comments in campaign advertising. One spot featured audio of the senator accusing Miller of withholding his daughter’s favorite blue bunny toy during a custody exchange. The House Ethics Committee announced in early August that it was reviewing allegations of domestic abuse and illegal drug use by Miller. No findings have been released because the committee observes a 60-day blackout period before Election Day.

Money raised another gap between the candidates. Federal Election Commission records show Poindexter raised $2.4 million in the third quarter. Miller raised $145,000 in the same period and lent his campaign $1 million. Poindexter is a union ironworker who previously served on the Brook Park City Council.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana supported Miller’s reelection effort, stating that the party must let due process play out. Johnson did not campaign alongside Miller, even as he visited other vulnerable Republican districts. Miller did attend President Trump’s rally in Youngstown on Oct. 12, but he did not speak from the stage.

Miller released an advertisement in mid-October criticizing press coverage of his family’s difficulties. He reiterated that he shares equal custody of his daughter. The divorce between Miller and his ex-wife is finalized, but their custody dispute remains ongoing.