President Trump endorses Sydney Gruters to replace Rep. Buchanan in Congress
President Donald Trump has endorsed Sydney Gruters — wife of Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters — for a congressional seat representing Manatee County.
The seat representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District will be up for grabs in November after Rep. Vern Buchanan announced he will be retiring at the end of his current term. Buchanan, who also received previous endorsements from Trump, has served as Manatee County’s congressman for 20 years.
“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,” Trump said in the a Truth Social post Tuesday afternoon.
Sydney Gruters spent more than a decade working in Washington, D.C. and Manatee County for Buchanan and is currently the Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the New College Foundation, according to a press release.
“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Sydney Gruters said in the press release. “His leadership transformed our country and continues to inspire millions of Americans who believe in putting America First. I’m especially committed to advancing policies that lower the cost of living for hardworking families across our community. I’m grateful for his support and look forward to making an announcement about the path ahead very soon.”
As of Tuesday evening, Sydney Gruters has not yet officially filed to run for Florida’s 16th Congressional District, but three Republicans, three Democrats and two no-party-affiliation candidates are in the running so far, according to Florida’s Division of Elections. The primary election will be in August, with the general election in November.
Trump endorses Sydney Gruters for Congress
Along with working with Buchanan’s office, Sydney Gruters also worked as the District Director for Congressmen Greg Steube after his 2018 win. Additionally, Trump appointed her as State Director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural development in 2017.
“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 said on Truth Social.
“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 Grime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.
“Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!”
Joe Gruters, a Florida state senator and chairman of the RNC since 2025, commented on Trump’s endorsement of his wife in an emailed statement to the Bradenton Herald on Wednesday.
“It’s an incredible honor for President Trump to back Sydney,” Joe Gruters said in the statement. “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.”
This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 5:55 PM.
