Sydney Gruters, the wife of Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, officially launched her campaign Thursday for Florida’s 16th Congressional District — weeks after securing an early endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Her entry formalizes a candidacy that had already been boosted by Trump’s unusually early backing, issued before she had even declared.
“As a working mother of three, I see firsthand how much pressure rising prices are putting on families across Southwest Florida,” she said in a release. “From groceries and gas to housing and insurance, too many families, seniors, and veterans are being stretched thin. I’m running for Congress to protect our conservative values, fight for the people of this district, and give them a strong voice in Washington.”
Gruters brings a mix of political and nonprofit experience to the race. She most recently served as vice president of advancement and executive director of the New College Foundation in Sarasota. Before that, she worked in the offices of Reps. Greg Steube and Vern Buchanan — the latter now retiring from the seat she is seeking.
Her campaign begins with a key advantage: Trump’s full endorsement, delivered well ahead of her official announcement.
“A Highly Successful Civic Leader and Public Servant, Sydney has dedicated her life to serving her Community, and she and her family are fierce advocates for our Movement to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” he added. “RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!”
Gruters also filed her campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, signaling that a formal launch was imminent.
Her husband, Joe Gruters — who has served as RNC chair since August while also holding a seat in the Florida state Senate — quickly amplified the announcement.
“My wife @SydneyGruters just launched her bid for Congress in Florida’s 16th, ready to be a true conservative warrior for President @realDonaldTrump,” he wrote on X. “She’s got his complete endorsement: ‘RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!’ Smart, fierce, and all-in for America First.”
When Trump first endorsed Sydney Gruters, Joe Gruters emphasized he would support her only in a personal capacity, given his leadership role at the RNC.
The Republican primary is already taking shape, with Gruters joining businessman John Peters, Navy veteran Ed Pope, and former New College of Florida trustee Eddie Speir in the race. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 18.
