Florida GOP suspends chairman, demands resignation amid rape probe
Newsy
The action came during an emergency meeting Sunday that followed calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other GOP leaders for Christian Ziegler to step down.
The Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation during an emergency meeting Sunday, 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.
