Poindexter Defeats Miller in Ohio 7th District Race

Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated incumbent Republican Max Miller for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday night. Poindexter declared victory in a speech late Tuesday evening, potentially shifting control of the House of Representatives to Democrats. The Associated Press had not officially called the race as of 12:15 a.m.

Unofficial results from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office indicated Poindexter held 53% of the vote with 89% of precincts reporting at midnight. The district includes parts of Ashland, Cuyahoga, Medina, and Wayne counties. This configuration results from redistricting that takes effect in 2027.

County-level results showed a sharp split in voting patterns. Miller secured 66% of the vote in Ashland County, 57% in Wayne County, and 52% in Medina County. Cuyahoga County, the most populated area in the district, favored Poindexter, who earned 65% of the votes there.

Miller conceded defeat via a social media message after declining an Election Day interview. He wrote, “We have achieved great things in the last four years and I am disheartened that I cannot continue the good fight.” Poindexter praised voters for setting aside differences to support a candidate from the district.

Poindexter stated that working people united to beat corporate interests and powerful opponents. He said, “In that unity, we beat the big-moneyed interests. We beat the corporate PACs. We beat the nasty ads. We beat the powerful and we did it together.” He added that he would fight for and represent all constituents, including those who did not vote for him.

The race attracted national attention after Emily Moreno, Miller’s ex-wife, accused him of domestic violence over the summer. Moreno claimed Miller threw hot water on her, put a gun to her head, and broke their 2-year-old daughter’s collarbone. Miller denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Moreno in May. A Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services investigation found a lack of evidence to support child abuse.

Bernie Moreno, Emily’s father and an Ohio senator, declared Miller unfit for office during an impromptu press conference in early August. Senator Jon Husted also called for Miller to drop out in August. The Cook Political Report had labeled the race a “Toss Up” before Election Day, a change from the “Solid Republican” status it assigned after the May primaries. Poindexter told supporters, “I had enough of no one listening.”