Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler Under Investigation Over Sexual Battery Allegations

Ziegler, who is in a three-way relationship with his wife and the accuser, faces calls to resign amid the ongoing investigation. The scandal has caused turmoil within the Florida GOP during a contested presidential primary.

Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler is under criminal investigation over allegations of sexual battery, including rape. The allegations were made by a woman who claims she was in a three-year consensual three-way sexual relationship with Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of Moms for Liberty.
The alleged incident occurred on October 2, 2023, at the woman's home in Sarasota, Florida, and was reported to police two days later. No charges have been filed yet, and Ziegler's attorney has stated that he is confident his client will be exonerated.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried have both called for Ziegler's resignation as state GOP chairman. DeSantis stated that the party cannot have a chairman under such scrutiny, while Fried highlighted the severity of the allegations.
The Zieglers are influential figures in Florida politics and conservative circles. Christian Ziegler was elected state GOP chairman in February 2023, while Bridget Ziegler is an elected member of the Sarasota County School Board and a prominent advocate for conservative parental rights.
The investigation has caused turmoil within the Florida GOP, which is currently engaged in a contested presidential primary involving DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. The party is also working to reelect U.S. Senator Rick Scott and defend newly won seats in the U.S. House.