ATLANTA (AP) Joe Gruters, a prominent conservative figure from Florida and a long-time supporter of Donald Trump since his reality TV days, has been formally chosen to serve as the next chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). His election will take place without opposition during the Republicans' summer meeting scheduled for Friday in Atlanta.
Gruters' rise within the Republican ranks showcases his unwavering loyalty to Trump, culminating in this significant position during Trump's second term as president. This move highlights Trump’s shift from initially being indifferent to party politics to now a seasoned leader firmly grasping various elements of power within the party.
Gruters, who began showing support for Trump before his initial presidential campaign in 2015, has a long history of alignment with the former president. A friend and former Florida Republican chair, Christian Ziegler, remarked, “Joe bet on the horse before the track was even built.” In 2012, while spearheading the Sarasota County GOP, Gruters made headlines by naming Trump as his county's “Statesman of the Year,” further fortifying their bond ahead of Trump’s eventual political ascension.
During Trump's first presidential campaign, Gruters's support was particularly notable in Florida, where he co-chaired Trump’s campaign alongside Susie Wiles, now Trump’s White House chief of staff. Their joint efforts contributed to a solid victory in the state when Trump triumphed over rivals Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush in the primaries. Gruters later won a seat in the Florida House in 2016, coinciding with Trump winning Florida's electoral votes.
As the chairman of the Florida GOP in 2019, Gruters played a pivotal role in increasing Republican registrations and preparing the party for the 2020 elections. Despite the controversies surrounding Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020, Gruters managed to navigate the situation, refraining from outright denialism while asserting Florida's electoral integrity as a model for the nation. Current Florida state Chairman Evan Power noted Gruters's understanding of Florida’s successes and challenges will benefit him nationally as RNC chairman.
As Gruters steps into this influential role, he will collaborate closely with the White House on fundraising initiatives, an essential aspect of the RNC's function. While Trump has traditionally taken the lead in communicating directly with constituents, Gruters is set to become a prominent figure as the party gears up for the critical 2026 midterms. His responsibilities include not only strategizing policy outreach but also managing the logistics of election mechanics, potentially overseeing the deployment of legal teams and poll watchers amidst Trump’s ongoing questioning of the U.S. electoral system.
Looking ahead, Gruters’s position will allow him to influence crucial aspects of the upcoming 2028 presidential campaign, including the configuration of the primary calendar and debate protocols. Although Trump is bound by term limits, he has indicated a strong desire to remain actively involved in the political process, thereby establishing a direct line of communication with Gruters as they navigate the forthcoming electoral landscape.
Ultimately, Gruters's leadership as RNC chairman reinforces Trump’s hold over the Republican Party, highlighting their ongoing collaboration and the impact on future political dynamics.
