The Republican Party of Florida removed its chairman, Christian Ziegler, after he refused to step down amid a criminal investigation for sexual assault. Ziegler’s continued presence in the role was causing strife within the party, with top Republicans like Gov. Ron DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott calling for his resignation. The state party’s executive committee had previously censured Ziegler and stripped him of his duties and salary.
During a meeting in Tallahassee, about 200 party members voted to oust Ziegler by voice vote, with only a few opposing the motion. He was replaced by Evan Power, the former vice chairman of the state party. Ziegler did not attend the meeting or respond to requests for comment. The investigation into Ziegler began in November, when a woman accused him of raping her in October. Ziegler, 40, has denied any wrongdoing and claimed the encounter was consensual.
The removal of Ziegler comes after weeks of controversy and pressure from within the party to address the accusations against him. The situation has highlighted the challenges facing the Republican Party of Florida as it seeks to maintain unity and integrity in the face of serious allegations against one of its prominent members.
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