President Trump says he is backing Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters to become the next chairman of the Republican National Committee.
In a Truth Social posting sent out Thursday night, the president said that he was hoping that the current RNC Chair, Michael Whatley, will run for what is now an open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina next year, thus leaving an opening for Gruters to fill.
“Fortunately, I have somebody who will do a wonderful job as the Chairman of the RNC,” Trump wrote. “His name is, Joe Gruters, and he will have my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Gruters, 48, has been considered the favorite to become Florida’s next chief financial officer, after Trump endorsed him for that seat back in March of 2024, more than two-and-a-half years before the seat was expected to become open.
But that changed when former Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis stepped down from the position earlier this year to run and win a seat for Congress in north Florida. Despite the Trump endorsement, Gov. Ron DeSantis – never a fan of Gruters – chose Hernando County Republican Sen. Blaise Ingoglia to replace Patronis and said in a press conference announcing that decision that he would never have appointed Gruters, even if George Washington “rose from the dead and tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Will you appoint Joe Gruters CFO?”
“My response would be ‘no.’ I can’t do that without betraying the voters that elected me to lead this state in a conservative direction,” the governor said.
One public opinion survey showed that if Ingoglia were to face Gruters in a GOP primary for CFO next year, Gruters would be heavily favored to win that contest.
Now it looks likely never to take place.
“I’m looking forward to advancing President Trump’s America First agenda as the next Chair of the RNC,” Gruters said in a statement sent to the Phoenix shortly after this story was published. “He is the greatest President in our nation’s history, and I’m ready to serve, fight, and win for our party and our country.”
Other Florida Republicans celebrated the news.
“As our former Chairman, we know he has what it takes to bring the @GOP to new heights,” wrote Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power on X. “He’s proven, tested, and ready to lead!”
“What a huge moment for the RNC to get a leader like Senator @JoeGruters,” said former CFO Jimmy Patronis. “He knows how to win in Florida. He’s fiercely loyal to President Trump and he will settle for nothing short of landslide victory in the 2026 midterms.”
“I’ve known Joe for over 20 years and witnessed his strategic vision and steadfast commitment to conservative principles,” said GOP Congressman Vern Buchanan in a statement. “His passion, integrity and leadership make him the right person for the job. The Republican Party is in good hands with a Chairman Gruters. Congrats Joe!”
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andreart
I have enjoyed working with Joe for many years. When he was a state legislator , the commission would go to Tallahassee requesting things for the betterment of our community. He has said for years that he works for the people and he would carry their request further up the chain. Many did not like this, but that’s what your public servant is supposed to do. He still does that as senator.. There’s nothing that everybody loves 100% with their elected official, but I do expect somebody that we vote keeps an open mind and opens the door for the betterment of his constituents. Congratulations Joe.
Sunday, July 27, 2025 Report this
NikkiforPalmetto
Gruters sounds like a sad bootlicker. That's not leadership to me.
Sunday, July 27, 2025 Report this