Florida Democrats Challenge GOP Chair, Wife to Step Down Over Rape Allegations

Florida Democrats are calling for the resignation of the state's Republican Chair Christian Zeigler and his wife Bridget, who serves on the Sarasota County School Board.

The challenge comes after accusations that Christian Zeigler was involved in a rape and battery incident that is currently under investigation.

Florida Democrats Call for GOP Chair and His Wife to Resign Over Rape Allegations & ‘Staggering Hypocrisy’ https://t.co/A8aIYFga2z

— The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) December 5, 2023

“No one can continue to lead a major state party under those conditions, and the level of hypocrisy is staggering,” Chair Nikki Fried said during a Tuesday morning press conference.

"Fried’s statement highlights the severity of the allegations against Christian Ziegler, who is under criminal investigation for rape and sexual battery. The Democratic Party chair emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership, especially when facing such grave accusations," the report added.

Sarasota GOP calls on Christian Ziegler to resign from leading state party https://t.co/BcMOD43LWC

— Sarasota Herald-Tribune (@HeraldTribune) December 6, 2023

Some GOP party leaders are also calling for Zeigler's resignation following the release of the accusations against him and the ongoing investigation.

"Sarasota GOP Chairman Jack Brill is joining calls for Christian Ziegler to step down from leading the Republican Party of Florida, adding a voice from Ziegler's home county," the Herald-Tribune reported.

"Given the increasing amount of evidence coming out on the allegations against Christian Ziegler, the Republican Party of Sarasota County believes that what is best for Sarasota County and Florida in this critical election cycle is, is for Christian to step down," Brill said in a statement.

The allegations have extended to his wife over accounts of a consensual three-way relationship involving both spouses have surfaced.

The accusations have also called into question their commitment to traditional family values as claimed in their campaigns over the issue.

The pressure continues to build from leaders of both parties with the future far from certain for the Zeigler family.