Republicans are privately concerned that abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) could jeopardize the party's hold on the House of Representatives, according to a Politico report published Saturday.

Miller, a former Trump White House aide who won his seat with the former president's endorsement, has long been regarded as a well-connected member of the GOP caucus. His ex-wife, Emily Moreno — the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) — has gone public with allegations that the congressman poured hot water on her, held her at gunpoint, and broke their daughter's collarbone. Miller denies the accusations.

The situation has created what Politico described as a serious conundrum for Republican lawmakers: speak out against a colleague in a competitive race, or face accusations of hypocrisy after previously criticizing scandal-plagued Democrats. The challenge is compounded by the Republicans' historically narrow House majority, where even a single lost seat could determine control of the chamber. So far, the predominant GOP response has been silence.

A GOP operative quoted by Politico captured the party's anxiety: "What happens when Democrats run ad after ad targeting GOP voters about Miller abusing the daughter of a pro-Trump MAGA senator? What does that do to GOP turnout? How does that affect our candidates at the top of the ticket who are already in tough races?"

Even Sen. Bernie Moreno has remained notably quiet on the matter. Last week, as news broke that Emily Moreno's lawyer had filed for a restraining order against Miller, the senator did not address his daughter's situation directly. Instead, spokesperson Reagan McCarthy issued a statement: "Senator Moreno's top priority is the safety and well-being of his daughter and granddaughter. While he does not litigate these matters in the media or respond to baseless public attacks, he will do whatever it takes to ensure a just outcome for his family."

Sen. Moreno made headlines separately last week when he was seen hurling expletives at Dr. Anthony Fauci.

According to Politico, prominent GOP leaders both nationally and in Ohio have either declined to comment or not responded to inquiries about the allegations against Miller.

Republicans now face what Politico called a "make-or-break moment" on Aug. 5 — the final deadline to replace Miller on the ballot. Some within the party are warning that the controversy could put the House majority at risk. The deadline carries particular weight because ballot replacement rules vary by state, and Ohio's election calendar leaves little room for a substituted candidate to mount a competitive campaign.

Nonpartisan handicappers have already shifted their ratings to increase Democrats' chances of capturing Miller's seat. The congressman's Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, has been vocal in his criticism.

"These are serious allegations and deserve the full attention of law enforcement," Poindexter said in a statement. "If all the allegations against Congressman Miller prove to be true, Max Miller should be in jail, not worried about retaining a seat in Congress."

Miller's campaign has pushed back forcefully. Spokesperson Abigail Angelos said in a statement that the lawmaker's continued custody of his child should serve as evidence that the allegations are false. "Congressman Miller will continue to vigorously defend his reputation against false and reckless allegations designed to inflame public opinion rather than reflect reality," Angelos said.

Emily Moreno's spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, countered: "There is a demonstrable pattern of repeated violent and dangerous behavior."