Max Miller

Max L. Miller is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 7th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he began his term in the House of Representatives in 2023. Before his congressional career, Miller held various roles in the Trump administration and was involved in political campaigns, including serving as a key aide during Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Early life and career

Max Leonard Miller was born on November 13, 1988, in Northeast Ohio. He is part of a family with a history of involvement in business and politics; his grandfather, Samuel H. Miller, was a co-chair emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust, and his grandmother, Ruth Miller, ran for Ohio's 22nd congressional district in 1980. His father, Abe Miller, and mother, Barb Miller, provided a supportive environment that encouraged civic engagement. Additionally, his uncle, Aaron David Miller, is recognized as a scholar in Middle East studies.

Miller completed his secondary education at Shaker Heights High School, graduating in 2007. He initially attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Cleveland State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 2013. Throughout his upbringing, Miller identified as Jewish, which has been a part of his personal identity.

Before entering politics, Miller worked in retail at a Lululemon store in Ohio. In 2013, he joined the Marine Reserve, where he served as a corporal. His military service did not include any deployments, and in 2019, he transitioned from the Selected Marine Corps Reserve to the Individual Ready Reserve, allowing him to maintain his military affiliation while pursuing other career opportunities.

House tenure

Miller's political career began to take shape during the 2016 presidential election cycle when he initially worked for Marco Rubio's campaign. However, he soon shifted his allegiance to Donald Trump's campaign, where he became a notable aide. Following Trump's election, Miller was appointed to various positions within the Trump administration, including a role as a confidential assistant in the Department of the Treasury and later as a lead advance representative in the White House Office. He also served as the associate director of the Presidential Personnel Office and special assistant to the president.

In 2021, Miller announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Ohio's newly redrawn 7th congressional district. The district had previously been represented by Republican Anthony Gonzalez, who opted not to seek re-election after voting to impeach Trump. Miller's campaign was marked by endorsements from Trump and various conservative organizations, which bolstered his profile among Republican voters. He won the Republican primary in May 2022 with a significant majority of the votes and subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Matthew Diemer in the general election held on November 8, 2022.

Miller took office in January 2023 and was elected by his peers to represent them on the Republican steering committee, a body responsible for determining committee assignments for members of the party. His tenure has been characterized by active involvement in legislative matters and party dynamics.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office, Miller has focused on various legislative initiatives and has been involved in significant political controversies. One of his early actions in Congress was to introduce a resolution aimed at removing Representative Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, which passed shortly after its introduction. This move underscored his alignment with party leadership and his commitment to addressing issues he perceives as critical to national interests.

In late 2023, Miller made headlines for his involvement in the expulsion of fellow Republican George Santos from Congress. Miller accused Santos of financial misconduct, alleging that Santos had made unauthorized charges to his and his mother's credit cards. This situation escalated into a public confrontation in the House, where Miller labeled Santos a "crook," while Santos countered with accusations against Miller. The controversy surrounding Santos culminated in his expulsion from Congress in December 2023, following which Santos pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to campaign finance violations.

Miller's legislative focus appears to align with broader Republican priorities, and he has actively engaged in party leadership roles. As of 2024, he is one of only two Jewish members of the Republican Party in Congress, which adds a unique dimension to his representation and advocacy within the party.

Throughout his congressional career, Miller has maintained a profile that reflects his background in the Trump administration, and he continues to advocate for policies that resonate with his constituents and party base. His actions and statements in Congress suggest a commitment to addressing issues that he believes are important to Ohio's 7th district and the Republican Party at large. As he continues his term, Miller's legislative activities and political maneuvers will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike. His current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.