Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, publicly called for his former son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, to resign from Congress Sunday. The demand stems from domestic abuse allegations made by Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who is Senator Moreno's daughter. Miller, who is currently seeking reelection, has vehemently denied the accusations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.

In a statement posted on X, Senator Moreno asserted that if elected officials are held to any basic standards of character, "Max Miller fails them." He added, "He should not serve in the House of Representatives." The senator indicated he had initially hoped to keep the matter private, but stated that Miller's "increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible."

Police reports obtained by ABC News detail multiple alleged incidents of physical violence by Miller against Emily Moreno during their marriage and subsequent divorce proceedings. These allegations have surfaced as Rep. Miller campaigns for reelection in Ohio's 7th Congressional District, a seat considered a safe Republican stronghold.

Rep. Miller responded to Senator Moreno's public statement, suggesting that if his own daughter made similar accusations, he would not have waited two years to hold him accountable. Miller characterized the senator's intervention as a tactic to "hide from your own media circus" and declared the situation "all political." Miller also pointed to the court's decision to grant him joint custody of their child as evidence that the accusations lack credibility.

In a live X video released earlier on Sunday, Miller directly addressed the allegations, categorically denying them and vowing to continue his reelection bid. He presented court documents he claims exonerate him and stated the current election is about "my family and about our daughter and keeping our values here." Miller also criticized media outlets and other individuals he believes have been "incredibly reckless" with the narrative.

Miller's office, when asked about Emily Moreno's allegations, referred ABC News to a past social media post. This statement emphasized that the court's decision on joint custody indicates a lack of credible evidence supporting the "outrageous accusations." The office maintained that Congressman Miller will "vigorously defend his reputation against false and reckless allegations designed to inflame public opinion rather than reflect reality."

Some Democratic members of Congress have called for an ethics investigation into the matter and for Miller's resignation. The allegations and the subsequent public dispute between Senator Moreno and Rep. Miller add a significant layer of controversy to Miller's reelection campaign, with the election scheduled for November.

Emily Moreno and Max Miller were married for two years before their divorce was finalized in 2024. The ongoing legal and public relations battle highlights the personal and political stakes involved as the election approaches.