House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and members of congressional Republican leadership announced their endorsement of Sydney Gruters in Florida's District 16 congressional race in a joint statement on social media.
Republican leadership backing Gruters includes Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-N.Y.)
"Sydney Gruters is an America First patriot who will help us continue to deliver safe streets, secure borders, a strong economy, and peace through strength," GOP leadership wrote. "She has dedicated her career to serving her community, and in Congress will defend our constitutional rights, veterans, law enforcement, and the principles that have made America the greatest nation on Earth."
"We are proud to ENDORSE Sydney Gruters for Florida’s 16th District, and look forward to working with her to defend and grow our House Republican majority and CONTINUE our American comeback!" GOP leadership added.
Sydney Gruters is the wife of Joe Gruters, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee. Joe Gruters also represents District 22 in the Florida Senate.
"Proud to endorse Sydney Gruters in #FL16. She’s a patriot, a champion for Floridians, and will be a great teammate on the House Republican team," Emmer added.
Gruters announced her candidacy in April. President Donald Trump endorsed Gruters before her official announcement.
In addition to President Trump and Republican leadership, Gruters has local support from Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
District 16 was redrawn after the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved Florida's new congressional map. The district now includes parts of five counties: DeSoto, Hardee, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and all of Manatee.
Gruters is looking to replace Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), who is retiring. Buchanan won the previous version of CD 16, which included Manatee and parts of Hillsborough County, by 19 points in 2024.
The primary is Aug. 18, 2026, with the general election on Nov. 3.
