Trump-Backed Wife of RNC Chair Launches Bid for Congress as GOP Defends Slim House Majority

Sydney Gruters, former executive director of the New College Foundation, announces campaign for open GOP-held seat in Florida's 16th Congressional District.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A week after former President Donald Trump urged Sydney Gruters to run for an open GOP-held congressional seat in Florida, the wife of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters has declared her candidacy. Sydney Gruters, a former executive director of the state's New College Foundation, is considered the clear front-runner to succeed retiring longtime GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida's right-leaning 16th Congressional District.

Why it matters

With Republicans currently controlling the House 218-214, the GOP will be defending their fragile majority in this year's midterm elections. Trump's endorsement of Sydney Gruters, along with her experience working in Congress and the Trump administration, make her a strong contender for the seat. The race could be a key battleground as the GOP looks to maintain its slim hold on the House.

The details

Sydney Gruters, a 44-year-old working mother of three, launched her campaign on Thursday, saying she is running 'to protect our conservative values and fight for the people of this district and give them a strong voice in Washington.' Gruters previously served as the operation director for retiring GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan for a decade, and later as district director to GOP Rep. Greg Steube. She also worked in Trump's first administration as state director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Department of Agriculture. Prior to launching her congressional campaign, Gruters finished up her tenure as Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the New College Foundation, where she oversaw the school's shift to a more conservative, classical education curriculum.

  • On March 24, former President Donald Trump urged Sydney Gruters to run for the open GOP-held congressional seat.
  • Gruters launched her campaign on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Sydney Gruters

The 44-year-old wife of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters, who is running for the open GOP-held congressional seat in Florida's 16th District with the backing of former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former president who has endorsed Sydney Gruters' congressional campaign.

Joe Gruters

The current chair of the Republican National Committee and Sydney Gruters' husband.

Vern Buchanan

The retiring longtime GOP congressman whose seat Sydney Gruters is running to succeed in Florida's 16th District.

Greg Steube

The GOP congressman whose district Sydney Gruters previously served as district director.

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What they’re saying

“As a working mother of three, I see firsthand how much pressure rising prices are putting on families across Southwest Florida. 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 and fight for the people of this district and give them a strong voice in Washington.”

— Sydney Gruters, Congressional Candidate

“Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The GOP-dominated Florida legislature is set to meet in a special session later this month to deal with congressional redistricting in the red-leaning state, which could impact the boundaries of the 16th Congressional District.

The takeaway

Sydney Gruters' congressional campaign, backed by former President Trump, represents a key battleground as the GOP looks to defend its slim House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Her experience working in Congress and the Trump administration, combined with the district's Republican leanings, make her a formidable candidate in the race.