Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy indicated he is backing Republicans across the ballot when confronted about Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), who is facing serious allegations from his former wife.
A recording reportedly obtained by HuffPost captured Ramaswamy speaking with a voter during an Aug. 22 campaign event in Columbus.
The exchange began when the attendee thanked Ramaswamy for supporting Miller. Ramaswamy responded by saying he was “supporting everyone up and down the ticket.”
When pressed on whether he would personally campaign alongside Miller, however, Ramaswamy did not directly answer. Instead, he shifted the conversation toward the voter’s background before explaining the broader political stakes he sees in November’s elections.
Ramaswamy argued that Republicans cannot afford to lose ground as the party attempts to maintain control at both the federal and state levels.
“Look, my view is this is the most important election for preserving Republican control of the House, the Senate, and also protecting the Republican control of the state,” he said.
“If we compromise that, we’re done,” Ramaswamy added.
The remarks are notable because Ramaswamy had largely avoided publicly weighing in on the growing controversy surrounding Miller. His gubernatorial campaign also continues to identify the congressman as an endorser.
Miller has been accused by his former wife, Emily Moreno, of domestic and child abuse. Moreno, the daughter of Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno (R), has alleged that Miller physically abused her during their marriage.
Among her accusations, Moreno claims Miller threw boiling water at her, pointed a gun at her head and threw her against a wall.
Miller has denied the allegations.
Moreno has separately raised concerns involving their young daughter. She has alleged the child sustained bruises while under Miller’s supervision and has questioned whether Miller was responsible for a fractured collarbone that required emergency medical attention.
Miller has disputed allegations that he abused the child.
The House Ethics Committee has also launched a review examining allegations involving Miller, including claims related to domestic violence, abuse and possible illegal drug use.
The controversy has become a political vulnerability for Republicans as the November elections approach.
Democrat Amy Acton, who is challenging Ramaswamy for Ohio governor, has targeted him over his association with Miller as polling shows a remarkably close gubernatorial contest.
Acton campaign spokeswoman Addie Bullock accused Ramaswamy of aligning himself with “creeps and abusers,” specifically pointing to Miller as part of her criticism.
Miller, meanwhile, has lost the backing of several prominent Republicans.
Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and John Husted (R-OH) have rescinded their endorsements. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt (R), Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall (R) and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R) have also joined calls for Miller to step aside, according to the Daily Mail.
The deadline allowing Miller to withdraw and give Republicans an opportunity to replace him on the November ballot passed Aug. 10.
The controversy has unfolded alongside Miller and Emily Moreno’s contentious divorce and custody proceedings.
Moreno’s attorney, Andrew Zashin, previously sought a restraining order after alleging Miller grabbed him following a July court proceeding. Rather than have a judge decide the request, the two sides ultimately reached an agreement.
Miller has also reportedly threatened Sen. Moreno, his former father-in-law, by claiming he possessed information the senator would prefer to keep private.
The political consequences could extend beyond Miller’s own congressional race.
Miller is facing Democrat Brian Poindexter in a contest that has become increasingly competitive. Decision Desk HQ gave Miller a 52 percent chance of victory as of Aug. 27, compared with 48 percent for Poindexter.
Ramaswamy is also locked in a tight race with Acton. A 270toWin poll cited in the report showed Ramaswamy at 48 percent and Acton at 47.5 percent.
With control of key offices at stake, Ramaswamy’s recorded comments provide his clearest indication yet that the allegations against Miller have not prompted him to abandon his broader commitment to supporting the Republican ticket.
