Florida GOP votes to remove embattled chair Christian Ziegler

The Florida Republican Party voted to remove chair Christian Ziegler in a Monday meeting as he faces rape accusations, The Associated Press reported.

Ziegler was suspended by party leadership last month and refused demands to resign amid the claims. The turmoil comes as Florida is set to play a central role in the 2024 elections and as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) competes in the GOP presidential primary.

DeSantis, as well as fellow Florida Republican Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, have all called on Ziegler to step down.

Former party chair and state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R) said on X, formerly Twitter, that only two people in the party’s Monday meeting spoke against a voice vote to remove Ziegler.

“We have to move past this and have to focus on 2024,” state Sen. Joe Gruters (R), who preceded Ziegler as party chair, told the AP. “Florida’s one of the most important states for the Republicans and we have to continue to bring home victories, especially for Rick Scott and the top of the ticket with Trump as our nominee, eventually.”

Ziegler admitted to having sex with the woman who accused him of rape, but he and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, claimed they had a consensual relationship. Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of the conservative activist group Moms of Liberty.

The accuser claims she agreed to a threesome with the Zieglers, but Bridget Ziegler was not able to attend. The woman said Christian Ziegler then raped her. Sarasota Police said they are investigating the claims.

Ziegler also faces a second investigation of video voyeurism. He has denied wrongdoing to both allegations.

“We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded that no charges will be filed and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated,” his attorney Derek Byrd said in a statement last month.

The Hill has reached out to the Florida Republican Party for comment.