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 and wife of RNC Chair Joe Gruters, declares candidacy for Florida's 16th Congressional District.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:05am

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A warm, cinematic painting depicting a solitary political campaign sign or podium in a quiet, urban setting, with deep shadows and diagonal sunlight creating a nostalgic, reflective mood.As the GOP defends its fragile House majority, a new generation of Trump-aligned conservative candidates like Sydney Gruters seek to shape the party's future.Today in Tampa

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. Gruters, a former executive director of the state's New College Foundation, is considered the clear frontrunner to succeed retiring longtime GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida's right-leaning 16th Congressional District, which stretches from Tampa's eastern suburbs south to Bradenton. Republicans currently control the House 218-214 and will be defending their fragile majority in this year's midterm elections.

Why it matters

With Trump's endorsement, Gruters' candidacy is seen as a key part of the GOP's efforts to defend its slim House majority in the 2022 midterm elections. The race in Florida's 16th District could also have implications for the future direction of the Republican Party, as Gruters represents a new generation of Trump-aligned conservative candidates.

The details

Gruters, a 44-year-old working mother of three, has significant experience in Congress, having served as an operations director for former Rep. Vern Buchanan and as a district director for current Rep. Greg Steube. She also worked in the Trump administration as the state director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Department of Agriculture. Prior to launching her congressional campaign, Gruters was the 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 after a board of trustees appointed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis took control.

  • On March 24, former President Donald Trump endorsed Gruters' candidacy on social media.
  • Gruters launched her congressional campaign on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Sydney Gruters

The 44-year-old former executive director of the New College Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters, who is running for Congress in Florida's 16th District.

Donald Trump

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

Joe Gruters

The Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair and Florida state senator who is Sydney Gruters' husband.

Vern Buchanan

The longtime GOP congressman from Florida's 16th District who is retiring, creating the open seat that Sydney Gruters is running to fill.

Greg Steube

The Republican congressman from Florida's 17th District, for whom Sydney Gruters previously served as a 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

“I'm incredibly proud of Sydney as she launches her campaign, and it's an honor to see her earn President Trump's support. As always, the RNC remains neutral in Republican primaries, so any support I offer will be purely in my personal capacity.”

— Joe Gruters, Republican National Committee Chair

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Gruters' candidacy, backed by Trump's endorsement, represents the GOP's efforts to defend its slim House majority in the 2022 midterms while also showcasing the continued influence of Trump-aligned conservatives within the party. The race in Florida's 16th District will be closely watched as a potential bellwether for the future direction of the Republican Party.