Northeast Ohio Rep. Max Miller faces growing pressure to step aside as GOP considers replacements before Wednesday deadline

CLEVELAND -- Behind-the-scenes discussions to replace Congressman Max Miller on the November ballot are intensifying, GOP sources tell 3News, as the embattled Northeast Ohio Republican faces a critical Wednesday deadline amid allegations of domestic abuse.
Under Ohio law, Miller can withdraw from the race by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5 -- the 90th day before the Nov. 3 general election. If he does, a special primary election would be triggered to select a replacement Republican nominee.
If Miller misses the Wednesday deadline but withdraws before Aug. 10, the Republican county party chairs in his district -- which in the next election will include all of Ashland and Medina counties and parts of Cuyahoga and Wayne counties -- could convene to select a replacement through a party committee vote and certify that selection with the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
After Aug. 10, no candidate replacement is permitted.
But behind the scenes, the president has apparently struck a different tone. Axios reported Monday night that Trump called Miller directly and told him "things aren't looking good," repeatedly saying his reelection would be tough. Miller told the president he was staying in the race, according to three sources familiar with the call.
"I categorically deny abusing my former wife," Miller said. "I have never abused our daughter."
He added, "I'm not dropping out of this race and I'll win in November."
But behind the scenes, the president has apparently struck a different tone.
Republican sources tell 3News the party is considering several candidates should Miller step aside. Among those whose names are being discussed:
-- State Rep. Mike Dovilla, of Berea, a U.S. Navy veteran and former presidential appointee to the Office of Personnel Management.
-- Former U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci of Wadsworth, who previously represented parts of Northeast Ohio in Congress.
-- State Rep. Melanie Miller, of Ashland, currently serving her second term in the Ohio House of Representatives.
-- Former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin, of Bath Township, who ran for the U.S. House in 2024 against Rep. Emilia Sykes in the 13th District.
President Trump remained publicly neutral on Monday, calling Miller "a very good person" from the Oval Office and saying he would "let the families figure that out."
"Those families, I know they're working on it," Trump told reporters. "It's a very sad thing, especially when you know somebody so well, to be going through that, but it's accusations."
As the Wednesday deadline looms, Republican sources tell 3News the party is preparing for both scenarios -- Miller stepping aside or digging in -- as pressure continues to mount from every direction.