The Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation during an emergency meeting, adding to calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top officials for him to step down as police investigate a rape accusation against him. Ziegler is accused of raping a woman with whom he and his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, had a prior consensual sexual relationship, according to police records.
Quick Read
- Suspension and Resignation Demand: The Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler during an emergency meeting, with demands for his resignation.
- Rape Accusation: Ziegler is accused of raping a woman with whom he and his wife had a previous consensual sexual relationship.
- Party’s Motion: The party’s motion to censure Ziegler cited conduct rendering him unfit for office.
- Meeting Dynamics: Ziegler attempted to defend himself in the meeting, but the board moved swiftly to take action against him.
- Future Vote on Removal: The party’s executive committee plans to vote later on whether to remove Ziegler permanently.
- Police Investigation: The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the rape allegation against Ziegler, which occurred in October at the accuser’s apartment.
- Christian Ziegler’s Stance: Ziegler, who has not been charged, maintains his innocence and claims the encounter was consensual.
- Impact on Bridget Ziegler: The controversy also affects his wife, Bridget Ziegler, a Sarasota School Board member. Despite not being accused of a crime, she faced a board vote requesting her resignation, which she refused.
- Criticism and Hypocrisy Claims: The couple, known for opposing LGBTQ+ rights, faces criticism and accusations of hypocrisy due to their personal relationship dynamics.
- Widespread Calls for Resignation: Prominent Republicans, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, Congressman Matt Gaetz, and Florida’s Republican legislative leaders, have called for Christian Ziegler’s resignation.
The Associated Press has the story:
Florida GOP suspends chairman, demands his resignation amid rape probe
Newslooks- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)
The Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation during an emergency meeting, adding to calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top officials for him to step down as police investigate a rape accusation against him.
Ziegler is accused of raping a woman with whom he and his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, had a prior consensual sexual relationship, according to police records.
“Christian Ziegler has engaged in conduct that renders him unfit for the office,” the party’s motion to censure Ziegler said, according to a document posted on the social media platform X by Lee County GOP Chairman Michael Thomason.
Ziegler tried to defend himself during the closed-door meeting, but the party board quickly took the action against him, Thompson said.
“Ziegler on soap box trying to defend himself, not working,” Thompson posted before confirming the votes.
The party’s executive committee will hold another vote in the future on whether to remove Ziegler.
The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the woman’s accusation that Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. Police documents say the Zieglers and the woman had planned a sexual threesome that day, but Bridget Ziegler was unable to make it. The accuser says Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and assaulted her.
Christian Ziegler has not been charged with a crime and says he is innocent, contending the encounter was consensual.
The accusation also has caused turmoil for Bridget Ziegler, an elected member of the Sarasota School Board, though she is not accused of any crime. On Tuesday the board voted to ask her to resign. She refused.
The couple have been outspoken opponents of LGBTQ+ rights, and their relationship with another woman has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.
In addition to DeSantis, Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Florida’s Republican House and Senate leaders have all called for Christian Ziegler’s resignation.
