Former Trump aide Max Miller shifts to new Ohio district for House run

Former Donald Trump adviser Max Miller appeared to be on a glide path to Congress — but now he’s prepping for a much tougher race.

Miller is set to announce Friday evening that he’s running in a new northeastern Ohio district, one that’s much more Democratic-friendly than the red-tinged one he had been running in prior to the state’s redistricting. Under the new lines, Miller is set to compete for a swing district that includes liberal Akron and will be up for grabs in the 2022 midterm election.

Miller, who has received Trump’s endorsement, had initially been waging a primary challenge against GOP Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, one of 10 House Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. But earlier this fall, Gonzalez announced his retirement, leaving his district wide open. Now, in the new seat, Miller is all but certain to face competition from a Democratic candidate in a year when control of the House will be at stake.

Miller had senior roles in the Trump White House and on the former president’s 2020 reelection campaign, and Trump backed him in an appearance in Ohio earlier this year. Miller said in a statement that he was “proud to continue my campaign in the new 13th Congressional District, where I currently reside and what makes up a large portion of where I’ve been campaigning.”

“The district number may be changing, but my campaign to advance America First policies — policies that lower taxes, secure the southern border and make our communities safer — will persist,” Miller continued. “I love Ohio and I look forward to taking the voice of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to Congress as part of a new Republican majority.”

It is unclear whether Miller will face a serious primary challenge. But he can still claim Trump’s endorsement, which may give him a leg up over any competition. He has also built a substantial war chest: Since announcing his campaign earlier this year, Miller has raised $1.6 million.