Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler’s alleged rape victim told authorities he showed up at her home and attacked her after she canceled plans to have sex with him and his wife, court documents show.
Sarasota police are investigating Christian Ziegler on allegations that he raped a woman in her home on October 2nd. Ziegler has denied the accusation.
The alleged victim, who claims she was in a “consensual three-way relationship” with the couple, told investigators she planned to have sex with Ziegler and his wife Bridget on Oct. 2.
However, when Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler resigned, the woman texted Christian: “I’m sorry for taking care of her mostly,” the affidavit said, obtained by ABC News.
Later that evening, the woman claims that as she was leaving her apartment, she spotted Ziegler outside in the hallway – and claims he then entered her property and raped her.
The alleged victim claims she had a “consensual three-way sexual relationship” with Bridget and Christian Ziegler (pictured).
Bridget Ziegler (pictured) is co-founder of Moms for Liberty and a supporter of Ron DeSantis
Ziegler (left) helped create the framework for DeSantis’ (right) later Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law
Weeks later, investigators began monitoring calls and messages Christian Ziegler sent to the accuser, the affidavit said.
‘Where are you? Would you like to meet and chat? Worried about you. “You are my friend,” Ziegler allegedly wrote in a message via Instagram.
“Hell no, not after what you did to me,” the woman replied. “Don’t you understand that I’m afraid of you?”
A 911 call from the alleged victim’s friend obtained by the Florida Center for Government Accountability revealed that she had confided in her about the rape.
“She told me she was raped,” the friend told the dispatcher on Oct. 4.
“She says she’s afraid that the person who raped her came to her house, so she’s afraid to leave the house… I’m worried about her right now,” the friend explained.
Sources cited by the Florida Trident said a search warrant was issued for Christian’s cell phone and that authorities are currently conducting a forensic examination of the device.
The GOP heavyweight also allegedly secretly videotaped the sexual encounters between the couple and the woman.
Christian Ziegler was elected chairman of the Sunshine State GOP in February. He was previously deputy chairman of the state party. Previously, he was a Sarasota County commissioner.
Governor Ron DeSantis has now asked Mr. Ziegler to resign from the party.
At a news conference Thursday, the governor said, “I don’t see how he can continue given the gravity of this situation, and so I think he should resign.”‘
“He is innocent until proven guilty, but we simply cannot have a party leader who is subject to such scrutiny.”
Bridget also works for the Leadership Institute, a conservative group that conducts workshops and develops curriculum to train the next generation of conservative leaders
Bridget Ziegler is considered a rising star of the conservative movement. She previously received the personal endorsement of Florida Governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis for her school board seat. Pictured: Bridget with Casey DeSantis
In a statement posted on X, Moms for Liberty defended Bridget: “Today another attempt to ruin the reputation of a strong woman fighting for America.”
The alleged incident, which is currently being investigated by Sarasota police, allegedly occurred while Christian and the unnamed accuser were alone in their home on October 2nd. Pictured: Christian and Bridget Ziegler with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (center)
Bridget is co-founder of Mom for Liberty, a group formed in the wake of COVID-19 school policies that parents across the country say needlessly hindered their children’s development
In 2014, Bridget was first elected to the Sarasota County School Board and was re-elected in 2018. She was elected for a third term in August 2022
Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler (left) is accused of rape by a woman who says she had a three-way relationship with Ziegler and his wife Bridget Ziegler (right).
Together, the pair has a major influence on Florida GOP politics
Bridget Ziegler is considered a rising star of the conservative movement. She previously received DeSantis’ personal endorsement for her seat on the school board.
She has become known in her own state and across the country as the co-founder of Mom for Liberty, a group created in the wake of COVID-19 school policies that parents across the country found unnecessarily hindering their children’s development.
She helped create the framework for DeSantis’ later Parental Rights in Education Act, which became known in the media as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
No criminal charges were filed in the case and Christian Ziegler’s lawyer denied the allegations, saying the chairman would be “completely exonerated.”
Derek Byrd said he is confident his client will be “fully exonerated,” adding that he has been “fully cooperative with every request made by the Sarasota Police Department.”
“Unfortunately, public figures are often accused of acts they did not commit, whether for political reasons or financial reasons,” he said.
“I would like to warn everyone not to rush to judgment until the investigation is complete.” “Out of respect for the investigation, Mr. Ziegler or I can only say the following at this time.”
The GOP of Sarasota County, where the couple and their young family are based, issued a statement expressing its “shock” and “disappointment” at the reports.
“The Republican Party takes all such allegations of potential criminal behavior very seriously and will cooperate fully with investigators,” the statement said.
A representative for Ziegler did not immediately respond to ‘s request for comment.