Marco Rubio calls for Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler to step down
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., joined calls for the resignation of Republican Party of Florida Chairman Christian Ziegler amidst an ongoing sexual assault investigation.
According to a search warrant for Ziegler’s telephone, police said the investigation revealed the victim and Ziegler have known each other for 20 years and they agreed to have a sexual encounter that included Ziegler’s wife, Bridget.
The victim claimed that on Oct. 2, Ziegler sexually assaulted her, according to the search warrant.
Ziegler has maintained he is innocent and believes he will be exonerated once the investigation is complete.
Rubio said the “conduct” Ziegler has “now admitted to makes it impossible for him to continue in his position.”
“If he refuses to unconditionally step down he should be immediately suspended & then permanently replaced at the quarterly state party meeting next month,” Rubio said.
Republican Party of Florida Vice Chairman Evan Power scheduled a special meeting Dec. 17 for the party’s state executive board to discuss potential actions.
The actions that Power plans to consider during the meeting include the chairman’s potential misconduct and neglect of duty, discussion and appropriate actions for discipline of the chairman, the creation of a special investigative committee to conduct a confidential investigation, suspension of some or all of the chairman’s authorities during pending investigations, suspension of the chairman’s pay, a vote of no confidence, and formal censure of the chairman.
“I hope the we are able to move the party forward in a positive manner as the 2024 elections are the most important elections we face in a lifetime,” Power said.
Several other elected officials have also called for Ziegler’s resignation including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast.
