By Blessing Nweke
The leadership of Florida’s Republican Party voted unanimously, 39-0, to censure Chairman Christian Ziegler during an emergency closed-door meeting held in Orlando on Sunday. The decision also strips Ziegler of his authority and slashes his salary to a symbolic $1 annually. Ziegler will no longer have the power to hire or fire staff, represent the Florida GOP, or fundraise for the party, although he retains his title as chairman.
The decision comes as Ziegler faces an ongoing investigation by the Sarasota Police Department since October regarding allegations of sexual assault. The investigation centers around a planned three-way sexual encounter, as detailed in a search warrant affidavit obtained by reporters from the Florida Center for Government Accountability. The document reveals that Ziegler and his wife, Bridget, arranged the encounter with the alleged victim, who later canceled when Bridget could not participate. The affidavit also suggests a previous consensual relationship between the Zieglers and the accuser.
Surveillance footage reportedly captures Ziegler’s arrival at the alleged victim’s residence on the day of the alleged assault. According to the affidavit, the victim claims Ziegler entered the apartment and sexually assaulted her on a bar stool.
Despite not facing criminal charges, Ziegler insists the encounter was consensual. His attorney, Derek Byrd, expressed confidence in Ziegler’s exoneration, stating, “We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded no charges will be filed, and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated.”
During the closed-door meeting in Orlando, Ziegler attempted to persuade his colleagues to let him remain as chair. Michael Thompson, chairman of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, reported that Ziegler apologized for the situation and expressed remorse. However, the leadership’s unanimous vote marks a significant blow to Ziegler’s standing within the party.
“This is a sad day for all of us in Florida,” lamented Jack Brill, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.
Despite calls for his resignation from prominent figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott, and Rep. Matt Gaetz, Ziegler steadfastly refused to step down. He also denied reports of seeking a seven-figure payout before leaving his role, labeling them a “100% lie.”
The fallout from this decision extends beyond Ziegler’s standing. Florida GOP Vice Chairman Evan Power anticipates an official removal of Ziegler during a full committee meeting in Tallahassee on January 8.
Ziegler and his wife, Bridget, have been influential figures in Florida Republican politics, rising from local prominence in Sarasota County to statewide significance under Governor DeSantis. Christian Ziegler, 40, took on the role of Florida GOP Chairman in February after a career in local politics, including serving as a county commissioner and state party vice chairman. Bridget Ziegler, 41, appointed to the Sarasota County School Board in 2014, faces pressure from the school board to resign, though she has shown no indication of stepping down.
Bridget Ziegler has been a key player in the cultural battles within Florida public schools, co-founding Moms for Liberty, a conservative parents’ rights organization. The group has led efforts to remove books from classrooms deemed inappropriate for children. DeSantis appointed her to the board overseeing the Walt Disney Company’s special taxing district in Central Florida amid clashes over a state law restricting the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms.