Florida State GOP Chairman Ousted After Refusing to Resign Amid Rape Allegations

Former Vice-chair Evan Power will succeed Christian Ziegler as Florida’s state GOP chairman following a special vote.

Florida Party of Florida Chairman Christian Ziegler addresses attendees at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit in Kissimmee, Fla., on Nov. 4, 2023. Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) voted on Jan. 8 to oust Chairman Christian Ziegler, as the former Sarasota County Commissioner is embroiled in a scandal and the subject of a police investigation over rape allegations.

The state GOP executive committee voted to suspend Mr. Ziegler in December 2023 and demanded his resignation, citing the need for better leadership going into an important election year that will decide which party controls Congress and the White House.