Ohio GOP officials are approaching a critical deadline to replace Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) on the ballot if he decides to end his reelection campaign amid serious abuse allegations made by his ex-wife.

According to state law, if Miller drops out by the close of business on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, local officials must hold a special primary to select a new Republican nominee for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) will set the date for this special election and establish deadlines for candidate filings or write-in declarations.

LaRose told Ohio Public Radio’s Sarah Donaldson on Monday that his office is "ready to react to whatever any candidate decides to do until" the Tuesday deadline.

If Miller withdraws after Tuesday but by the close of business on the following Monday, August 10th, 2026, county party chairs from the district—which includes Medina, Wayne, and parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties—would select a replacement candidate at a meeting. Officials from Cuyahoga County, the district's most populous county, must provide two days’ notice before this meeting.

Despite the allegations, Miller stated on Sunday that he plans to continue his bid for a third term in the upper chamber. His ex-wife has accused him of throwing hot water on her, holding a gun to her head, and breaking their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone during custody proceedings—claims Miller has denied.

In a video posted Sunday to social media, Miller said, "This election is just more about winning a seat in November for the Republican Party. This election, to me, is about my family and about our daughter and keeping our values here and holding the media and other individuals accountable who have been incredibly reckless."

Former President Donald Trump, for whom Miller worked during his first administration, called Miller "a good person" on Monday and said he is "going to let the families" resolve the situation.

Sources