State Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) was unanimously elected chairman of the Republican National Committee during the GOP's summer meeting in Atlanta on Friday. Sen. Gruters, a Trump ally, will take over for Michael Whatley, who stepped down from the position to run for Senate in North Carolina.
"Thank you all so much. Now the party is in great hands moving forward," Gruters said. "The skies are clear," he joked with the new gavel in his hands.
President Trump endorsed Gruters for the role in a Truth Social post in July. Trump also tabbed him to be Florida's next chief financial officer (CFO), but Friday's announcement likely means Gruters will pull his name from consideration.
Gruters' selection comes at a critical time for the GOP, which looks to hold onto control of Congress heading into the 2026 midterms next November. Republicans currently hold 219 seats to Democrats' 212 in the House, with four vacancies.
The GOP also holds 53 Senate seats to Democrats' 45, with two Independent seats that caucus with the Democrats.
Numerous Florida officials congratulated Gruters following his selection, including current Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia.
"Florida can't stop winning! Congratulations to Florida’s own @JoeGruters on becoming @GOP Chairman!" Ingoglia said. "I know that Joe will deliver big wins for @realDonaldTrump! I look forward to supporting the cause!"
Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott also congratulated him on his nomination.
"Congratulations to my friend @JoeGruters! Thank you, Joe, for all you have done to help me win in all of my races," Scott said. "Thank you for all you have done to MAKE FLORIDA BRIGHT RED. Joe is major reason why FL is the center of the Republican Party and he will take that winning formula across the US!"
Gruters was chair of the Florida Republican Party from 2019 to 2023. The party also congratulated him on his selection.
"As RPOF Chair, @JoeGruters helped turn Florida deep red and delivered historic Republican victories, the Florida GOP said. "Now as @GOP Chairman, he’ll take that winning formula nationwide. Congratulations, Chairman. Florida leads!"
Gruters has been a member of the Florida Senate since 2018. He also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2018.
