GOP Rep. Max Miller ousted in Ohio after nasty custody battle with senator’s daughter took over campaign

Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated Republican representative Max Miller in Ohio, with 54% of the vote to Miller’s 46% as of midnight. Miller had previously won his district comfortably, but his campaign was overshadowed by allegations and disputes connected to a public custody battle with his estranged wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno.

A police report said the couple’s daughter had a broken collarbone and a bruise in February; child services found no evidence that Miller had harmed her. Miller denied his wife’s allegations of abuse, and she also raised concerns about his behaviour and possible drug use. Miller’s custody trial was due to begin on Thursday, while Poindexter, a union ironworker and former local councillor, had also faced past controversies, including an arrest.