Christian Ziegler (politician)
Christian Ziegler | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Florida Republican Party | |
| Assumed office February 12, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Joe Gruters |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1983 (age 41–42) North Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bridget Ziegler |
| Education | Florida State University (BA) |
Christian Ziegler is an American politician from Florida. He is the chair of the Florida Republican Party.
Early life and career
Ziegler was born and raised in North Georgia,[1] outside of Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State University in 2005[2] and worked for Vern Buchanan's campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2006 elections. After Buchanan won his seat, Ziegler worked for him as a legislative aide.[3]
In 2012, Ziegler ran for a position on the Republican Party of Florida's state committee, representing Sarasota County.[3] He ran for chairman of the state party in 2017,[4] but lost the election to the incumbent, Blaise Ingoglia.[5] In November 2018, he was elected to the county commission of Sarasota County.[6] On January 6, 2021, Ziegler attended the "Save America" rally that preceded the attack on the United States Capitol.[7] Ziegler did not run for re-election to the county commission in 2022.[6] He was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Florida in February 2023.[8]
Personal life
Ziegler's wife, Bridget, co-founded Moms for Liberty and serves on the Sarasota County School Board that has engaged in controversial actions that have drawn extensive criticism in the community.[9] The Zieglers have been featured as friends of Ron DeSantis and supporters of Donald Trump.[10] DeSantis appointed Bridget to the board overseeing the Florida district taken away from Disney and Trump praised Christian at a rally in November 2023.[10] The Zieglers also have been closely associated with "The Hollow" — an extreme-right educational facility in Sarasota County that teaches bible studies and assault rifle shooting skills to its students.
Allegations of sexual assault
Sarasota police initiated an investigation into Christian Ziegler following an accusation of rape and sexual assault made against him[11] in October 2023 by a woman that took part in a threesome with both Christian and his wife Bridget.[10].[12][13] When questioned, Bridget Ziegler admitted to being involved in the sexual relationship.[11] The 911 tape that led to the investigation was released, with the 911 caller reporting that she wanted a wellness check on the victim who she described as a friend. The 911 caller stated that she was worried about the victim who had said she was raped and was afraid to leave the house and stated that she could not go on.[14][15]
Ziegler admitted the action in the police report and to recording it secretly. He also claimed innocence and declared the report as an "attack" against him as a victim being "targeted", however, in a telephone call he apologized to the woman filing the report of rape, offered financial "help", and told her Bridget would be joining him for their next ménage à trois.[11]
Due to the allegations, Governor DeSantis has called on Ziegler to resign.[16]
References
- ^ Perry, Mitch (February 18, 2023). "Christian Ziegler elected as new chair of the Republican Party of Florida". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Perry, Mitch (February 15, 2023). "Florida's major political parties to choose new leaders". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ a b Anderson, Zac (November 26, 2016). "Entwined in politics, Christian Ziegler seeks state position". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Wallace, Jeremy (November 17, 2016). "Sarasota Republican challenges RPOF chairman for post". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Zac (January 14, 2017). "Sarasota's Ziegler falls short in bid to lead Florida GOP". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ a b Hackney, Rachel Brown (July 8, 2022). "With Christian Ziegler choosing not to seek re-election to County Commission, three Democrats and two Republicans will vie to replace him". Sarasota News Leader. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Henning, Allyson (January 7, 2021). "Sarasota County commissioner reacts to chaos at U.S. Capitol after attending D.C. rally during work trip". WFLA-TV. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Florida Republicans Pick Christian Ziegler as State Chair". U.S. News & World Report. Associated Press. February 18, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Craig, Tim (May 6, 2022). "As community veers right, political division tears apart Sarasota, Fla". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c Norman, Bob (November 30, 2023). "Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler, husband of Moms For Liberty cofounder, accused of sexual battery by alleged ménage à trois lover". The Bradenton Times. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c Norman, Bob (December 4, 2023). "Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler has claimed he's been falsely accused, but judge and police found probable cause he committed sexual battery". The Florida Trident. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Zac (November 30, 2023). "Florida GOP chair accused of sexual battery; attorney says he'll be exonerated". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Norman, Bob (November 30, 2023). "Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler, husband of Moms For Liberty cofounder, accused of sexual assault by alleged menage a trois lover". Florida Center for Government Accountability. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Alfred, Kate Briquelet (December 2, 2023). "911 Call and Affidavit Reveal Chilling Claims in Florida GOP Chair Rape Probe". Daily Beast.
- ^ Wendling, Mike (December 1, 2023). "Top Florida Republican official faces sexual assault investigation". BBC News. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "DeSantis calls on Florida GOP chair to resign amid sexual battery investigation". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved December 13, 2023.