In an unfolding controversy that has gripped Sarasota, Florida, conservative school board member Bridget Ziegler finds herself at the center of a storm. The Sarasota County School Board, unable to directly remove Ziegler from her position, is poised to vote on a resolution requesting her voluntary resignation. The move comes in the wake of a sexual assault investigation involving her husband, Christian Ziegler, who also serves as the Republican Party state chairman.
The allegations stem from an incident in October, where Christian Ziegler was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at her apartment. Police documents suggest that the encounter was initially intended to be a consensual threesome involving the Zieglers and the accuser. However, Bridget Ziegler was unable to participate, and the situation took a disturbing turn. The woman alleges that Christian Ziegler assaulted her against her will.
Despite the allegations, Christian Ziegler maintains his innocence, emphasizing that the encounter was consensual. The controversy has drawn the attention of prominent Florida Republicans, including Governor Ron DeSantis, who have called on him to step down as GOP chair, a call he has thus far refused.
Bridget Ziegler, who has served on the school board since 2014, remains silent on the matter, declining to comment on the resignation resolution. However, the intense media scrutiny both locally and nationally has prompted board Chair Karen Rose to draft the resolution, expressing her deep regret at the need for such action but citing the potential harm to the board’s mission caused by the ongoing distractions.
The Zieglers, known for their involvement in conservative politics and advocacy for initiatives like the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, have faced criticism for their alleged hypocrisy, given the nature of the allegations. The situation has ignited a broader debate over the intersection of personal conduct and political ideology, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ issues.
As the investigation continues, the fate of Bridget Ziegler’s position on the school board remains uncertain, with the resolution serving as a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga that has captivated Sarasota and beyond.