House and Senate members unite with DeSantis, urging Florida GOP Chairman Chris Ziegler to step down
Senate and House leaders call for Florida GOP Chairman to step down amid investigation
Senate and House leaders are joining Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in calling for Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler to step down amid an active investigation after a mostly redacted document released Thursday by police in Sarasota mentioned rape and sexual battery.
Leaders demand resignation
“It is untenable for Christian Ziegler to continue as Chairman of the RPOF and I recommend he resign his post,” GOP state House Speaker Paul Renner said Sunday. “The serious allegations at issue require his full attention and we need someone who can provide the singular focus the party needs.”
DeSantis told reporters after his debate with Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) on Friday that Ziegler should step down, and he said he doesn’t “see how he can continue with that investigation ongoing, given the gravity of those situations.”
“I think he should step aside,” DeSantis said. “He’s innocent till proven guilty, but we just can’t have a party chair that is under that type of scrutiny.”
GOP state Senate President Kathleen Passidomo echoed DeSantis’s remarks, calling on Ziegler to resign over allegations of sexual battery.
“The Governor is the leader of our Party. I agree with his position. The allegations are serious, and will require Chair Zeigler’s full attention,” Passidomo said in a statement.
In a statement sent to the state Republicans on Saturday, Ziegler indicated he does not plan to step aside from his leadership post, calling the allegations “false” and adding he was limited in what he could discuss.
“We have a country to save, and I am not going to let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up,” Ziegler wrote.
Ziegler added that his wife, Bridget Ziegler, is “behind me 150 percent.” Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a group that has become a prominent constituency within the Republican Party, and she is an elected member of the Sarasota County School Board.
Active investigation and allegations
According to a heavily redacted 13-page Sarasota Police report from Oct. 4, reviewed by the Washington Examiner, there is an “active criminal investigation.” The document states a person reported being “sexually battered” at home in Sarasota on Oct. 2. The report mentions a “sexual assault complaint” and “sexual assault allegation” but provides no further information.
The Florida Trident, published by the Florida Center for Government Accountability, was the first outlet to report Ziegler was under investigation on Thursday. The outlet reported that sources close to the investigation alleged that the woman who accused the GOP chairman of rape was in a “long-standing consensual three-way sexual relationship prior to the incident” with both Zieglers.
Ziegler’s attorney, Derek Byrd, said in a statement that he is confident the Florida GOP chairman will be “completely exonerated.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
What specific concerns have been raised within the top ranks of the Republican Party regarding the allegations against Christian Ziegler?
Ons that are “extremely concerning and disturbing.” Passidomo emphasized the need for a leader who can prioritize the party’s interests and address the ongoing investigation promptly and diligently.
The calls for Ziegler’s resignation come after a heavily redacted document was released by the police in Sarasota, which mentioned rape and sexual battery. Although the document did not provide detailed information regarding the allegations or the parties involved, it raised significant concerns within the top Republican ranks.
Christian Ziegler, who has been serving as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), is facing mounting pressure from influential figures within the GOP to step down from his position. It is crucial for the party to demonstrate its commitment to addressing any allegations with integrity and transparency.
In light of the seriousness of the accusations and the ongoing investigation, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his belief that Ziegler should resign. Governor DeSantis, who recently participated in a debate with Governor Gavin Newsom of California, highlighted the challenges that arise when a party chair is under scrutiny of this magnitude. While acknowledging the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” Governor DeSantis emphasized the need for a leader who can function effectively without distractions.
Echoing the sentiments of Governor DeSantis, GOP state House Speaker Paul Renner asserted that it is untenable for Ziegler to continue serving as the Chairman of the RPOF. Speaker Renner emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity for Ziegler’s undivided attention to address them adequately. He stressed that the party requires someone who can offer singular focus and effectively navigate the present challenges.
GOP state Senate President Kathleen Passidomo also joined the chorus of leaders calling for Ziegler’s resignation. She echoed the concerns expressed by DeSantis and Renner, highlighting the utmost importance of ensuring that allegations of this nature are dealt with promptly and transparently. President Passidomo underscored the need for new leadership that can handle the gravity of the situation and prioritize the welfare of the party.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for the Republican Party to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct. The allegations brought to light demand a thorough and impartial examination, and the party must ensure that the investigative process remains unhindered. With the calls for Ziegler’s resignation growing louder, the GOP must swiftly address this matter to restore public confidence in its leadership and reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of its constituents.
In conclusion, Senate and House leaders, along with Governor DeSantis, are urging Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler to step down from his position amid an ongoing investigation. The seriousness of the allegations necessitates a leader who can provide undivided attention to address the situation effectively. With calls for Ziegler’s resignation resonating within the party, the GOP must uphold its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.
