Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced his endorsement of Brian Poindexter on Monday for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. Poindexter, a member of the Brook Park City Council and a union ironworker, is the Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) in the upcoming November election.
The endorsement comes as Poindexter seeks to unseat a two-term incumbent in a district that favored the Republican presidential candidate by 11 points in 2024. The race has drawn national attention due to legal and personal challenges involving Miller, including calls for his resignation from members of his own party, such as his father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
Buttigieg, who has been active in endorsing candidates ahead of the 2026 midterms, cited Poindexter’s background as a union worker and his focus on working-class families as reasons for the support. Miller has faced allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, which include claims of physical threats and injury to their daughter. Miller has denied all allegations, stating he will remain in the race to fight for "the truth" and maintain custody of his child.
The legal proceedings between Miller and his ex-wife involve specific allegations that could set precedents regarding the public disclosure of private information. A recent lawsuit filed by Emily Moreno alleges Miller published a nude image of their daughter within a collection of documents intended to refute abuse claims. While Miller’s attorney stated the disclosure was a clerical error, the resolution of these custody and privacy cases could impact Miller's standing in the House and his ability to serve his constituents. Voters will notice the effects of this contest through increased campaign spending and media coverage leading up to the November vote.
Beyond the local impact, Buttigieg’s involvement signals a broader strategy by potential 2028 presidential candidates to build influence within the Democratic Party. By backing a candidate like Poindexter, Buttigieg is attempting to connect with union workers and working-class voters in the Midwest. What happens next depends on the November election results; if Poindexter is successful, it would represent a significant shift in a traditionally Republican-leaning district. The immediate next steps include the continuation of the custody battle and the legal proceedings regarding the child photo lawsuit, for which no specific court dates were reported.