Commiteeman Peter Feaman runs for Florida GOP chair amid expected Ziegler ousting

Amber Jo Cooper contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Republican Party of Florida National Committeeman Peter Feaman announced his bid for state party chair amid an expected vacancy of the position and special election early next year.

Vice Chairman Evan Power is also running for the seat.

In a statement obtained by Florida’s Voice, Feaman called Chairman Christian Ziegler’s involvement in a sexual assault investigation “shocking, depressing, and unnerving.” The party stripped Ziegler of his authority this week.

“After encouragement from so many of you, and after thoughtful consideration and prayer, I am running to serve as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida,” he said.

“Leadership, experience, and integrity is needed now more than ever,” Feaman said. “I believe now is the time to use my experience and conservative credentials to unify our party and be a steady hand through the 2024 election cycle.”

Feaman said that he has been national committeeman for nearly 12 years and a member of the party’s executive committee for around 20 years. He touted his support for former President Donald Trump during a hectic 2016 nomination cycle.

“I was also proud to stand with the conservative grassroots and Harmeet Dhillon this year when we fought against Ronna McDaniel and the RNC establishment,” he said. “My mission is simple: Restore the good name and reputation of the Republican Party of Florida, previously the most admired in the country.”

Feaman promised to bolster fundraising for the state party and to “unify the grassroots” toward a November 2024 victory.

“Know this, the Tallahassee establishment will fight like mad and use any means necessary to win this election for their preferred candidate. I’m confident that the grassroots of Florida will prevail,” he said.

During a meeting this week, the party stripped Ziegler of his authority and reduced his salary to $1. Ziegler would also not be allowed to fundraise or speak on behalf of the Florida GOP.

Ziegler has maintained he is innocent and believes he will be exonerated once the investigation is complete.

Following the meeting, the party is expected to vote on Ziegler’s membership status Jan. 8 at a second special meeting.

Power told Florida’s Voice Monday he “implores” Ziegler to “do the right thing and resign” beforehand.

In order to kick Ziegler out of the party, a two-thirds vote would be needed.