Republican Party calls for Alachua County School Board member’s resignation over Hulk Hogan comment

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Republican Party officials in Alachua County are calling on school board member Sarah Rockwell to resign following controversial comments she made about Hulk Hogan’s death.

In a social media post on Monday, the Alachua County Republican Party urged citizens to demand Rockwell’s resignation for her “reprehensible” comment.

Republican Party chair Tim Marden said, “I was really surprised that she even chose to comment on it. As the day went on, it was clear that her words struck a nerve with many people. It felt like she was disrespectfully stepping on his grave, which is unacceptable under any circumstances. Additionally, it seemed politically motivated, which elevates the issue to another level of unacceptability.”

It’s the latest backlash against the school board member whose comments have made national headlines.

“Oh did Hulk die? I didn’t even know. Good,” Rockwell wrote on Facebook the day of Hogan’s death. “One less MAGA in the world.”

Rockwell shared a lengthy apology on Saturday for her “cruel and flippant comment.” She said, “I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County.”

For the Republican Party, the apology wasn’t enough, with the party posting, “While her apology may have been sincere, the scar will remain.”

Rockwell has faced strong backlash for her comments, but one resident in Gainesville has chosen to respond with understanding.

Sophia Cruz-Perez stated, “We don’t have to like each other, but I will still defend and advocate for extending grace to her and recognizing her humanity. At the end of the day, her mission on the school board and as an educator in the larger world is far more important than that single comment.”

School board seats in Florida are nonpartisan. TV20 has reached out to the local Democratic Party for a comment on this story. This article will be updated to reflect any statements we receive.

Rockwell’s full statement apologizing for her comments is posted below:

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