On Wednesday, Republicans reached an impasse that could be a “doomsday scenario” for their midterm chances. If Representative Max Miller (R-OH) – who is currently embattled under allegations of domestic abuse – doesn’t withdraw from his re-election bid by 4 pm EST, his conservative colleagues worry that his seat will flip to the Democrats.
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This is according to Fox News Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram, who on Wednesday posted what he called the “Hitchhiker’s Guide” on the situation, writing, “House Republican leaders are increasingly anxious about the decision of Rep. Max Miller to double down and not drop out of his re-election bid as he faces allegations of physically assaulting his ex-wife and toddler daughter. Republicans worry that Miller could lose this seat. He won with 51 percent of the vote in 2024, underperforming President Trump in the Buckeye State. Moreover, Ohio has a competitive Senate and gubernatorial race this year. Republicans worry that the undertow could cost Miller his seat. And, in a tight election, the GOP control of the House.”
Miller has said that he won’t drop out, but Ohio can still call a special GOP primary if he vacates the nomination by later today. If that doesn’t happen, he can still quit by August 10, in which case the county chairs in his district can choose a replacement. According to Pergram, “This is the preferred path by Republicans.” If Miller refuses to drop out entirely, however, “Republicans cannot replace him on the ballot after next week. That is the doomsday scenario for the GOP.”
While Miller has referred himself to the House Ethics Committee, Pergram notes that “those probes usually take months” — months the GOP does not have with the midterms looming in November. He says that there has been discussion among Republicans of expelling Miller, whether in this Congress or the next, if he manages to win reelection.
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“Every seat counts in this hotly contested election year,” explains Pergram. “Miller’s seat is one the GOP needs to hold to cling to their majority. But Republican leaders are hoping they can do that. But preferably someone without the baggage of Miller.”
Congressional Republicans are currently pushing for President Donald Trump to withdraw his endorsement of Miller, who he described as “a good person” when asked about the allegations of abuse. While it was reported Tuesday night that Trump has warned Miller that his reelection was unlikely, the president didn’t go so far as to say the Representative should drop out, and hasn’t withdrawn his support for him.
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