House and Senate members 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.

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.

Active investigation and allegations

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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What specific concerns ‌have been raised⁢ within the top ranks of the ⁢Republican Party regarding ‌the allegations against Christian Ziegler?

Ons that are “extremely concerning and disturbing.” Passidomo emphasized the⁣ need for a leader who can prioritize the party’s interests and address ⁤the ongoing investigation‍ promptly and diligently.

The calls for Ziegler’s resignation come after a heavily ​redacted ​document was released by⁣ the police in Sarasota, which mentioned‍ rape and ⁤sexual battery. Although the document‌ did‍ not provide detailed information ⁣regarding the allegations or the parties involved, it raised significant concerns within the top Republican​ ranks.

Christian Ziegler, ⁤who has been serving as the Chairman of the Republican Party of ‌Florida (RPOF), is facing ‍mounting pressure from influential figures within the GOP to⁣ step down from his position. It is ‌crucial for the party to demonstrate its commitment to addressing any allegations ⁣with integrity and ⁣transparency.

In‍ light of the seriousness of the accusations and the ongoing investigation, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his belief that Ziegler should resign. Governor DeSantis, who recently participated in a debate with Governor Gavin Newsom of California, highlighted the ⁢challenges that arise ‌when a party chair is​ under scrutiny‌ of this magnitude. While acknowledging the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” Governor DeSantis emphasized the need for a leader who can function effectively without distractions.

Echoing the sentiments of⁤ Governor DeSantis, GOP state House‍ Speaker Paul Renner asserted that it is untenable for Ziegler to continue ​serving as the Chairman of the‍ RPOF.⁣ Speaker Renner emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity for Ziegler’s undivided⁤ attention ⁣to address them adequately. He stressed that the party requires someone ‍who can offer⁢ singular‍ focus⁢ and effectively navigate⁣ the present challenges.

GOP state Senate President Kathleen Passidomo also joined the chorus of leaders calling for Ziegler’s resignation. She echoed the concerns expressed by DeSantis ​and Renner, highlighting the utmost importance of ensuring that allegations of this nature are⁢ dealt with promptly and transparently. President Passidomo underscored the need⁣ for new leadership ⁤that can handle the gravity of the⁢ situation and prioritize the welfare of the party.

As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for​ the Republican Party to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct. The allegations brought to light demand ‍a⁤ thorough and impartial examination, and the party must ensure that the investigative process ‌remains unhindered. With the calls for Ziegler’s resignation growing louder, the GOP must ⁤swiftly address this matter to restore public confidence⁢ in its leadership and reaffirm its commitment to⁣ the welfare of its constituents.

In conclusion, Senate and House leaders, along with Governor DeSantis, are urging⁤ Florida‍ GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler to step down from his position amid an ongoing investigation. The​ seriousness of the allegations necessitates‍ a leader who can provide undivided attention to address the⁣ situation effectively. With calls for Ziegler’s resignation resonating within the party, the GOP must uphold its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.

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