State Sen. Joe Gruters was unanimously elected chairman of the Republican National Committee on Friday, ascending to the post with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Gruters, a Sarasota Republican who previously chaired the Republican Party of Florida and most recently served as RNC treasurer, succeeds Michael Whatley, who stepped down after 16 months to pursue a U.S. Senate run.
President Trump had publicly backed Gruters before the vote, describing him as a “true conservative fighter” and pointing to his long record of loyalty. Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power also backed Gruters, stating that he is “happy to cast [his] vote” for Gruters.
Gruters was among the earliest Florida Republicans to support Trump’s first campaign, co-chairing his state operation in 2016. At the state party helm from 2019 to 2023. In his remarks after being elected, Gruters said the RNC will focus on expanding Republican majorities in Congress and prioritizing election-related litigation and ballot security.
“Today is not about one person, it is about our mission. The midterms are ahead where we must expand our majority in the House and the Senate and continue electing Republicans nationwide,” said Gruters. “Everything moving forward begins with election integrity. Every legal vote must be counted, every ballot protected, and Republicans must be ready to win before, during, and after election day… Every vote matters.”
