Trump-backed Max Miller loses re-election bid after ex-wife and two-year-old daughter 'abuse' claims tanked his race

Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker and former Brook Park city councilman, defeated Max Miller, an embattled incumbent Republican representative from Ohio's 7th Congressional District. As of late Tuesday night, with nearly all votes counted, Poindexter led by around 8 points; the Associated Press officially called the race shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The vote tally was 54.1% to 45.9%.

Miller's campaign faltered due to allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife and her claims that he physically abused their two-year-old daughter, which he denied but could not overcome despite strong support in the district four years prior when Donald Trump won it by 11 points. Democrats poured significant resources into Poindexter’s campaign after these allegations surfaced.

Miller conceded just before midnight on election night, acknowledging his loss. His district had historically been a Republican stronghold; however, Poindexter's blue-collar appeal resonated with voters in the Cleveland area. The Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump and Miller both won this region by substantial margins in 2024 but could not maintain their support for the re-election race due to the controversy surrounding Miller.