Democrat Brian Poindexter is projected to defeat incumbent Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) in the race for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, according to projections from NBC and CNN on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Poindexter, a city council member and ironworker, will take over a seat previously held by the Republican Party in a district that analysts had shifted from a Republican stronghold to a toss-up in the weeks leading up to the election.
The campaign was marked by public allegations regarding Miller’s personal conduct. Over the summer of 2026, Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, alleged in court documents that Miller had abused her and their daughter. Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), claimed Miller once held a firearm to her head and alleged their 2-year-old daughter suffered a broken collarbone during a custody exchange. Miller denied all allegations of wrongdoing, stating in August that his ex-wife faced "medically diagnosed" mental health challenges.
While Miller has not been charged with a crime as of Election Day, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the allegations. Several in his own party called for Miller to withdraw. Both Sen. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, the lieutenant governor of Ohio, publicly urged Miller to suspend his campaign. Poindexter utilized these allegations in his messaging, questioning Miller’s ethics and temperament, while Miller attempted to focus on his legislative work for fraud victims and his ties to Donald Trump.
The result affects the residents of Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, who will transition from Republican to Democratic representation in the U.S. House. For voters in the district, the shift means a change in legislative priorities, as Poindexter campaigned on addressing the cost of living and healthcare access. The win provides House Democrats with a seat in a district that was previously considered safe for Republicans, impacting the margin of control in the chamber.
The outcome also highlights the impact of personal conduct allegations on federal elections. The scale of the shift was reflected in polling that moved from a solid Republican lead to a "dead heat" by Election Day. In September, Miller’s campaign threatened legal action against television stations to block ads detailing the abuse allegations. Despite these efforts, the projected results indicate a sufficient number of voters were influenced by the scrutiny of Miller's personal life to change the district's political representation.
Max Miller conceded the race in a statement on X, expressing disappointment in the results. Brian Poindexter is expected to be sworn into the House of Representatives in January 2027. The House Ethics Committee investigation into the allegations against Miller was ongoing as of the election.