House Speaker Mike Johnson is treading carefully as the House Ethics Committee begins looking into allegations against Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio). Johnson called the claims "serious" but made clear that lawmakers shouldn't jump to conclusions before the committee finishes its work.

Johnson Defers to Ethics Committee

"I think Max is taking them seriously. I think our colleagues are," Johnson told Politico. "But, again, we have to allow this process to play out. It's just begun."

Johnson said he planned to speak with Miller but pushed back on the congressman's suggestion that Republican leaders were already backing him. "We don't take disciplinary action against members for allegations," Johnson said.

The Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it was reviewing whether Miller "may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use" in violation of House standards. Opening a review doesn't mean wrongdoing has been established. Miller requested the investigation that same day, saying, "I have absolutely nothing to hide."

Allegations Raise Stakes for Ohio Republicans

Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of abusing her and their young daughter. Miller denies the allegations, calls them politically motivated, and has sued Moreno for defamation. Her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), called Miller "a danger" and said he failed the minimum standard for public office.

The controversy has turned Miller's reelection campaign into another test for Republicans defending their razor-thin House majority. Reuters reported that the GOP held a 218-214 advantage, with three vacancies, while Democrats need only a handful of gains to seize control.

Miller won Ohio's 7th Congressional District with just over 51% in 2024. Democrats are weighing more support for union ironworker Brian Poindexter as prediction markets favor a possible House flip.

Trump Warns Miller as Johnson Holds the Line

President Donald Trump publicly called Miller "a good person" but privately warned that he might not "pull this one out." Miller nevertheless said he would remain in the race.

Johnson said the claims "don't look good right now," but asked, "What should a speaker do in this case?" He maintained that the committee, not party leaders, should determine whether Miller violated House standards.

"I'm confident we'll hold that district," Johnson said, even as the controversy draws attention to a seat Republicans once considered safe.