Trump-Endorsed Candidate from Sarasota Files for Congressional Seat

Sydney Gruters, wife of GOP chair, announces bid for Florida's 16th District

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:35pm

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Sydney Gruters, a Sarasota resident and the vice president of advancement and executive director of the New College Foundation, has announced her intent to file for Florida's 16th Congressional District seat in the 2026 general election. Gruters, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, joins a Republican field that already includes several other candidates. She plans to focus her campaign on lowering the cost of living and protecting affordability for Southwest Florida families, seniors, and veterans.

Why it matters

Gruters' candidacy is notable as she is the wife of Joe Gruters, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, and has received a high-profile endorsement from former President Trump. Her campaign is expected to be closely watched as a potential bellwether for the GOP's direction in the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Gruters, a working mother of three, is seeking to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who is retiring after two decades in Congress. She joins a Republican primary field that includes John Peters, Eddie Speir, and Eddie Pope. In her announcement, Gruters said her campaign will focus on issues like lowering the cost of living, protecting affordability, and defending conservative values.

  • Gruters announced her intent to file for the seat on April 2, 2026.
  • The Republican primary election is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
  • The general election for Florida's 16th Congressional District will be held in November 2026.

The players

Sydney Gruters

A Sarasota resident and the vice president of advancement and executive director of the New College Foundation. She is the wife of Joe Gruters, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, and has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has endorsed Sydney Gruters' congressional campaign.

Joe Gruters

The chairman of the Republican National Committee and the husband of Sydney Gruters.

Vern Buchanan

The outgoing U.S. Representative for Florida's 16th Congressional District, who is retiring after two decades in Congress.

John Peters

A Republican candidate running in the primary for Florida's 16th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“I love my wife and am proud to support her as she considers her next steps. The RNC's rules are clear: we remain neutral in Republican primaries, so any support I provide would be in a purely personal capacity.”

— Joe Gruters, Chairman, Republican National Committee

“Word is that Sydney Gruters, the wife of our GREAT Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Joe Gruters, is considering launching her Campaign for Congress in Florida's 16th Congressional District! 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! As your next Congresswoman, Sydney will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

— Donald Trump

“Sydney Gruters has proven her mettle by working on the frontline for congressional members in the past as well as her community involvement with various causes including New College Foundation. She will be the People's Congresswoman, making sure that she represents her constituents first and foremost. I am excited to endorse Sydney for this congressional office.”

— Sandra Mortham, Chairman, Maggie's List

What’s next

The Republican primary election for Florida's 16th Congressional District is scheduled for August 18, 2026. The winner of that primary will advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Gruters' candidacy, bolstered by Trump's endorsement and her connections to the GOP establishment, is likely to be a closely watched race that could provide insights into the direction of the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections. Her campaign's focus on cost-of-living issues and conservative values is expected to resonate with voters in the district.