Pressure mounts for Bridget Ziegler to step down from Florida school board amidst alleged sexual assault controversy

The Sarasota County School Board in Florida is calling for the resignation of one of its members, Bridget Ziegler, whose husband, Christian Ziegler, is being investigated for sexual assault allegations. The school board voted 4-1 in favor of a resolution urging Ziegler to step down. Christian Ziegler has denied the accusations, and no charges have been filed against him. School Board Chair Karen Rose initiated the vote, expressing her "shock and sadness" over the allegations and the potential distractions they may cause. Despite the resolution, Bridget Ziegler, who has served on the board for almost ten years, has not indicated any intention to resign. In Florida, only the governor has the power to remove school board members. The alleged assault is said to have taken place in October at a home in Sarasota, with an ongoing investigation currently taking place. The Florida Trident, a news site, reported that the Zieglers had been engaged in a long-term sexual relationship with the woman who filed the police complaint. Christian Ziegler's lawyer expressed confidence that no charges would be filed and that his client would be exonerated. Ziegler is facing pressure from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservatives to resign as chairman of the state's Republican party, a position he has held since February. Ziegler, however, has refused to step down and claims that false accusations will not deter him from fulfilling his mission. The fact that Bridget Ziegler had a relationship with another woman is causing concern for some, particularly given her support of Governor DeSantis' "Don't Say Gay" law. Critics argue that the allegations contradict the couple's emphasis on "family values." Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried characterized the situation as incredibly hypocritical.