House and Senate leaders 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.
Florida Democrats agreed with the Republican-led legislature leaders.
Democrats support resignation
Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book said on X Monday, “After being credibly accused of rape, GOP Chair Christian Ziegler must resign immediately. With an investigation ongoing, I stand with all victims and survivors of sexual violence.”
Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell addressed the matter in a media call on Monday, calling the allegations “incredibly serious” and urging Ziegler to step down as chairman of the state’s GOP.
“I think the most appropriate thing would be for Mr. Ziegler to step down as chair of the Republican Party of Florida,” Driskell said. “And I’m not saying that from a place of partisanship, the governor, the Senate president and the Speaker of the House have said the same thing – and surely allegations this serious, that is the only answer.”
“For him not to resign, frankly, would send a chilling message to the women of Florida about how the Republican Party views sexual assault,” she added.
Ziegler refuses to step down
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.
Investigation details
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.”
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How does the bipartisan agreement to call for Ziegler’s resignation reflect the seriousness of the allegations against him?
And survivors of sexual violence,” she added.
Investigation details
The call for Ziegler’s resignation comes after a redacted document released by police in Sarasota mentioned rape and sexual battery. The document, which has limited details due to ongoing investigations, has raised serious concerns among political leaders across party lines.
While Ziegler remains innocent until proven guilty, the severity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation make it difficult for him to effectively fulfill his role as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). Leaders believe that stepping down from his post would allow him to focus on addressing these serious allegations appropriately.
Bipartisan agreement
Both Republican and Democratic leaders have come together in calling for Ziegler’s resignation. This bipartisan agreement highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for swift action to ensure accountability in leadership positions.
Governor Ron DeSantis, as the leader of the Republican Party, has emphasized the importance of avoiding any distractions that may arise from an ongoing investigation involving the party’s chairman. He believes that the chairman’s role requires unwavering focus and attention, which Ziegler may not be able to provide given the current circumstances.
The support for Ziegler’s resignation extends beyond the state-level Republican leadership. Florida Democrats stand in unity with their Republican counterparts, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book and Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell have both called for Ziegler to step down, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on survivors of sexual violence.
A message to victims and survivors
The collective agreement among leaders, both Republican and Democrat, sends a clear message to victims and survivors of sexual violence in Florida—that their voices will be heard, their allegations will be taken seriously, and their safety and well-being will be prioritized over political loyalties.
By demanding Ziegler’s resignation, leaders aim to ensure that these allegations are thoroughly investigated and that appropriate actions are taken if necessary. It is crucial that survivors feel supported and empowered to come forward, knowing that their accusations will not be swept under the rug.
Conclusion
The call for Christian Ziegler’s resignation as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida is a reflection of the seriousness of the allegations raised against him. Leaders from both parties agree that the ongoing investigation and the gravity of the accusations make it untenable for Ziegler to continue in his role.
This bipartisan agreement shows that when it comes to matters of sexual violence and the safety of survivors, political differences can be put aside for the greater good. The message is clear—allegations of this nature must be taken seriously, and those in positions of power must be held accountable.
By calling for Ziegler’s resignation, leaders are sending a strong message to survivors that their voices matter and that they will be heard. It is a step towards creating a safe and empowering environment for victims and survivors of sexual violence in Florida.
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