Florida GOP Chairman Censured Over Sexual Assault Allegation
OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
3:00 PM – Monday, December 18, 2023
The Florida Republican Party has unanimously voted to strip its chairman, Christian Ziegler, of his authority.
GOP leadership voted to censure chairman Ziegler on Sunday. The party also reduced Ziegler’s annual $120,000 salary to $1.00.
The vote comes amid an ongoing investigation into Ziegler over sexual assault. The allegation was first filed in November and officials have not released the name of his accuser.
According to police records, the woman had previously agreed to a sexual encounter with Ziegler and his wife, Moms For Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler.
On the night in question, the woman reportedly canceled after learning that Ziegler’s wife wouldn’t be able to make it. She claimed Ziegler then came to her apartment alone, forced his way inside and sexually assaulted her.
Ziegler claimed the interaction was consensual, but State Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Fla.) said the party doesn’t care about legalities.
“He needs to resign. It was unanimous. Every single motion today was unanimously voted on. And he’s still there,” Salzman told WESH. “This is about the black eye that it’s put on the party, what you ran on to get in this chairmanship, and how you can’t focus on us as a party because you’re focused on fighting a criminal investigation.”
Ziegler has refused to step down despite several calls for his resignation, including from Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
“I don’t see how he can continue with that investigation ongoing given the gravity of those situations, so I think he should step aside,” Governor DeSantis said. “We just can’t have a party chair that is under that type of scrutiny.”
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How can the Florida Republican Party rebuild trust with voters in light of this scandal?
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Ziegler took to Twitter to defend himself, claiming that the allegations are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to silence conservative voices.
“I won’t back down. I won’t bow to the dirty political games,” Ziegler tweeted. “I know who is pulling the puppet strings behind all of this. I know their names and their tactics. But I will not let them silence me or the Florida Republican Party.”
The Florida Republican Party’s executive committee plans to meet in January to discuss Ziegler’s future and potentially elect a new chairman.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Ziegler continues, and if he is found guilty, he could face serious consequences, including potential criminal charges and jail time.
This scandal is a major blow to the Florida Republican Party, which had been hoping to build momentum ahead of the 2024 elections. The controversy could not only damage Ziegler’s reputation, but also tarnish the party’s image and raise questions about its commitment to addressing sexual assault allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, it is important to remember the importance of due process and fairness. While the allegations are serious and must be taken seriously, it is crucial to await the outcome of the investigation before passing judgment.
In the meantime, the Florida Republican Party must focus on moving forward and rebuilding trust with voters. This scandal serves as a reminder that no individual is above accountability, and that leadership positions within political parties require individuals of high integrity and moral character.
Ultimately, the party’s ability to navigate and overcome this scandal will be a test of its resilience and commitment to its values. Only time will tell if the Florida Republican Party can emerge from this controversy stronger and more united.
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