White House officials have advised Ohio Republicans to stop pressuring Rep. Max Miller to withdraw from his reelection bid, citing his refusal to drop out despite domestic abuse allegations.

Members of President Donald Trump’s political team recently asked Ohio Republicans to halt a public pressure campaign against Rep. Max Miller. The intervention followed the administration's conclusion that Miller, who denies serious allegations of domestic abuse, would not withdraw from his reelection race. Officials argued that continued efforts to oust him were moot and would complicate the party's ability to defend the seat against his Democratic challenger.

Internal Party Tensions

Some Ohio Republicans had previously discussed scheduling a meeting to replace Miller in an attempt to force his withdrawal. However, these plans were abandoned after White House officials warned that Miller would remain in the race and that the party would likely be forced to defend the seat without a replacement candidate. Speaker Mike Johnson has declined to intervene, stating he will wait for the House Ethics Committee to conclude its investigation into the representative.

Impact on the Congressional Race

Miller faces Democrat Brian Poindexter in a district that was previously considered safely Republican. While some national GOP figures, including RNC Chair Joe Gruters, have indicated the party will continue to support its nominee to maintain its House majority, others fear the controversy will force committees to spend heavily to defend the seat. Internal polling reportedly shows Miller is currently underwater in his district.