Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler: The Sarasota Police Department is investigating Republican Party of Florida chairman Christian Ziegler for sexual battery in October.
Derek Byrd, Ziegler’s attorney, said his client has complied with all Sarasota Police Department requirements. Byrd said he was confident Ziegler would be exonerated after the probe. He did not describe the investigation.
The initial report on the investigation comes from a local Florida watchdog website, outlining alleged details about Ziegler’s sexual relationships and the reported assault.It has not independently verified these allegations.
It obtained a redacted 12-page police report, where terms like “raped,” “sexual assault,” and “sexual battery” were visible. The report was provided by the Sarasota Police Department in response to a request for investigative materials involving the Zieglers. The alleged victim reported the incident on October 4, stating that it occurred two days earlier at a Sarasota residence. However, specific details of the alleged assault were redacted.
Sarasota Police Department spokesperson Cynthia McLaughlin confirmed that no charges have been filed and provided limited details due to the ongoing investigation.
Ziegler and his wife, Bridget, prominent figures in Florida Republican politics, have risen to statewide prominence under Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis. Christian Ziegler, 40, assumed the role of Florida GOP chairman in February, following years of involvement in local politics. Bridget Ziegler, 41, has served on the Sarasota County School Board since 2014 and won reelection three times, notably with DeSantis’s support.
Bridget Ziegler has been involved in cultural battles within Florida public schools, co-founding Moms for Liberty, a conservative parents’ rights organization. She was also appointed by DeSantis to the board overseeing Walt Disney Company’s special taxing district amid clashes over state laws on teaching sexual orientation and gender identity.
The unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through the Republican Party of Florida, adding to existing divisions from the highly contested GOP presidential primary featuring DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.
Despite the investigation, Ziegler continues to operate as party chairman, participating in recent state GOP events with top presidential candidates. The state party issued a statement, acknowledging the investigation and stating that they will not comment on ongoing investigations.
The Republican Party of Sarasota expressed shock and disappointment, emphasizing their commitment to cooperating fully with investigators. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried called for Ziegler’s immediate resignation, citing the severity of the criminal allegations.