Leaked audio reveals where Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy stands on congressman accused of abusing his wife and 2-year-old
Leaked audio reportedly shows Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy saying he supports “everyone up and down the ticket” when asked about Representative Max Miller, who faces allegations of domestic and child abuse from his former wife. Ramaswamy did not directly say whether he would campaign with Miller, instead framing the election as crucial to maintaining Republican control of federal and state offices; the comments matter because opponents are challenging his continued association with Miller.
Miller has denied allegations that he abused Emily Moreno or their young daughter, including claims involving boiling water, a gun, injuries and a fractured collarbone. The House Ethics Committee is reviewing allegations involving domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use, while Senators Bernie Moreno and John Husted have withdrawn their endorsements; Miller remained listed as an endorser of Ramaswamy’s campaign, and the deadline to replace him on the November ballot passed on 10 August.
- Ramaswamy voiced broad support for Republican candidates, including embattled Max Miller.
- Miller denies domestic and child-abuse allegations from his former wife.
- The controversy has prompted scrutiny and withdrawn endorsements.
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Vivek Ramaswamy is a Republican seeking to become governor of Ohio, a state in the US. Max Miller is a Republican member of the US House of Representatives, where he represents part of Ohio; both men are seeking office with their party during the same election cycle.
Miller’s former wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of domestic abuse and of harming their young daughter, allegations he denies. The House Ethics Committee, a body that examines the conduct of House members, is reviewing allegations including domestic violence, child abuse and illegal drug use.
The dispute matters because Ramaswamy’s support for fellow Republicans has become a subject of scrutiny, while Miller’s status as a candidate and campaign endorser links the two men politically. The allegations and committee review do not amount to a finding of guilt.
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The case for
A candidate could argue that supporting Republicans across the ticket reflects a commitment to party control and shared policy goals, while allegations against Miller remain unproven and he denies them. Ramaswamy’s remarks did not promise to campaign with Miller, and the ballot deadline may make continued support more a matter of political strategy than an endorsement of the alleged conduct.
The case against
A candidate’s broad support for the ticket can reasonably be seen as lending political legitimacy to a colleague facing grave allegations, even without an explicit promise to campaign together. Critics may argue that the seriousness of the claims and the ongoing Ethics Committee review call for a clearer public distinction between supporting Republican candidates generally and backing Miller specifically.