Published by the Florida Center for Government Accountability
Criminal Investigation Roils Florida Republican Party
Christian Ziegler, the state G.O.P. chairman, is under investigation after a sexual battery allegation. Democrats have called for his resignation.
Christian Ziegler, the chairman of the Florida Republican Party, at a party gathering this month.
Credit…Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Pres
Reporting from Miami
Published Nov. 30, 2023Updated Dec. 1, 2023, 12:06 a.m. ET
Florida’s Republican Party found itself roiled on Thursday after the police said they were investigating an accusation made two months ago that the party’s chairman had engaged in sexual battery.
The chairman, Christian Ziegler, was elected to the post this year as top Florida Republicans were fretting over whether to support Gov. Ron DeSantis or former President Donald J. Trump for their party’s 2024 nomination. Mr. Ziegler was seen as the choice of Mr. Trump’s allies.
No charges have been filed against Mr. Ziegler, who denied wrongdoing through his lawyer, Derek Byrd.
“We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded, that no charges will be filed and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated,” Mr. Byrd said in a statement. Mr. Ziegler responded to a request for comment by sending the same statement from his lawyer.