On the wings of her husband and former boss, Sydney Gruters is gunning for a seat in Congress representing Florida’s 16th district.
Gruters, the wife of Republican National Committee chairman Joe Gruters, previously worked for Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) whom she is aiming to replace.
After serving 20 years in Congress, Buchanan announced his departure in January. His retirement becomes effective on Jan. 3, 2027, after his successor is sworn in.
Buchanan did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Gruter's bid for election gained the blessings of President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
“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 posted.
The 16th Congressional District encompasses the entirety of Manatee County and the southern and eastern portions of Hillsborough County.
Gruter’s competitors in the Republican field so far include Eddie Speir, founder of Inspiration Academy, John Peters, a local businessman, and Ed Pope, a Navy veteran and educator.
Despite the crowd of candidates, Trump urged Gruter to run.
“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,” he said.
Gruters, a former district director for Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), did not respond to requests for comment.
She was also the Department of Agriculture’s rural development state director for Florida from November 2017 to January 2019 under Trump during his first presidency.
“Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN,” Trump stated.
Gruters is currently the executive director of the New College Foundation, which raises private funds for a private college located in Sarasota called New College of Florida.
She isn’t the only candidate linked to the New College of Florida.
Speir is a former New College of Florida trustee.
The primary election for Florida's 16th Congressional District is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
Key Democrats who are running include attorney Jan Schneider, Jonathan Harris, a combat veteran and cybersecurity professional, Tamika Lyles, an Air Force veteran and educator who teaches civic engagement at Lynn University, and Glenn Pearson.