Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler Ousted Amidst Rape Allegations

The Republican Party of Florida removed Chairman Christian Ziegler from his position on Monday, January 8, 2024, following an investigation into a rape allegation against him. The accusation came at a critical time for the party, as Florida plays a significant role in the upcoming Iowa caucus and the determination of control of the U.S. House.

Ziegler, who has denied the allegations, had previously been suspended by the party and demanded his resignation. Several Republican leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, called for his departure. However, Ziegler refused to step down.

DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, trails behind former President Donald Trump in the Iowa caucus. Scott is running for reelection. The party expressed the need to focus on the 2024 elections and bring home victories, especially for Scott and the top of the ticket with Trump as the nominee.

Beyond the rape allegation, the party faces another issue: Florida’s controversial stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Under DeSantis, Florida has stripped away rights from LGBTQ+ Floridians and banned instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.

The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the woman’s accusation that Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. Ziegler has not been charged with a crime and maintains that the encounter was consensual. Bridget Ziegler, his wife and an elected member of the Sarasota School Board and co-founder of Moms for Liberty, has not been accused of a crime.

Ziegler and his wife have been vocal opponents of LGBTQ+ rights, and their relationship with another woman has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. Bridget Ziegler was appointed by DeSantis last year to the board of the governing district for Walt Disney World, following the company’s public opposition to a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.

Derek Byrd, Ziegler’s attorney, stated that he represents Ziegler in the criminal matter but has no comment until the investigation has concluded. Bridget Ziegler also refused to resign from her position on the Sarasota School Board despite being asked to do so.

The couple’s relationship and stance on LGBTQ+ rights have drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. The Sarasota Police Department is currently investigating the rape allegation against Christian Ziegler.