DeSantis urges Florida GOP chair to resign after sexual battery allegation

• "I don't see how he can continue with that investigation ongoing given the gravity of those situations," DeSantis told reporters following a debate with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. "I think he should step aside."
• Ziegler is a prominent political figure in Florida and an ally of DeSantis.

Background: The Sarasota Police Department is conducting an investigation involving Ziegler, which according to the Trident involves an allegation of sexual battery. After the Trident's story was published, the department released a heavily redacted incident report to Axios and other outlets.

• Ziegler's name doesn't appear in the redacted report, but it was provided in response to a request for records regarding the allegations against him.
• According to the Trident, the accusation was made by a woman who says she was in a long-term sexual relationship with Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, who is on Sarasota County's school board and co-founded Moms for Liberty.
• It's an "active investigation," Cynthia McLaughlin, the department's spokesperson, tells Axios. No charges have been filed.
• "We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded that no charges will be filed and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated," attorney Derek Byrd told Axios in an emailed statement.