Members of the Florida GOP executive board are pushing for the swift removal of Chair Christian Ziegler, who has been embroiled in a sex scandal. The party leaders will convene on Sunday in Orlando to discuss the timeline and potential sanctions for Ziegler. Although the board aims to suspend his $120,000 salary immediately, a trial must be held before his removal can be recommended. There are hopes that Ziegler’s financial conflict of interest will leave Vice Chair Evan Power in charge of the meeting. While some members want a quick trial, concerns about legal exposure to the party and adhering to the process could delay the proceedings. Ziegler has refused voluntary resignation and allegedly sought a substantial payout to step down, which has garnered little support from the executive committee. Even if Ziegler is suspended or resigns, his successor must be determined through a new election. The sex scandal involves allegations of rape made by a Sarasota woman against Ziegler, who claims the encounter was consensual and has previously admitted to a threesome with the accuser. Video evidence obtained through a search warrant reportedly contradicts parts of the accuser’s account. Nevertheless, many party members believe that these activities warrant Ziegler’s resignation from both public and party positions. The Sunday meeting will shed light on the party’s plan of action moving forward.
Florida GOP executive board members are seeking prompt action to remove Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, in the wake of a sex scandal that has paralyzed the party’s fundraising efforts. The board will convene in Orlando on Sunday to discuss potential sanctions against Ziegler, who has so far declined to resign. The immediate suspension of his $120,000 salary is expected to be on the agenda. However, according to the party’s constitution, Ziegler cannot be removed until a trial is held and a committee recommends appropriate punishment. The executive board will examine the process during Sunday’s meeting amid calls for an accelerated timeline. Some members argue that a trial could take place as soon as Monday using teleconferencing to bypass the need for participants to gather in one location. However, the possibility of waiving the noticing requirements to expedite the process is met with resistance due to concerns over potential legal repercussions. Adhering to the standard process would mean Ziegler could remain in his position until January, extending into the Legislative Session in that month. Despite allegations of rape against Ziegler by a Sarasota woman, who claims the incident took place on October 2nd, he asserts that the encounter was consensual. The controversy intensified after it was revealed that Ziegler and his wife had engaged in a threesome with the same woman more than a year prior, as confirmed by police documents. Video evidence captured by Ziegler contradicts parts of the accuser’s account. Nevertheless, party members argue that Ziegler’s involvement in these activities is sufficient grounds for resignation. While Vice Chair Evan Power will administer the upcoming meetings in light of the conflict, his assumption of the state Chair position is contingent upon a new election rather than an automatic promotion. As the scandal unfolds, Sunday’s meeting will play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of the party and addressing the calls for Ziegler’s removal.
