NEW: Trump Issues Endorsement For RNC Chair

President Donald Trump is standing behind Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, endorsing his longtime ally for another two-year term after a bruising election that cost the GOP control of Congress.

The Sarasota Republican faces a January leadership vote as the party regroups for 2028. Trump made clear Friday that he wants Gruters steering the national organization into that fight.

"MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters, who has been with us from the very beginning, is running to continue as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. As Chairman, Joe turned the RNC into an efficient, focused, and powerful machine that will continue to empower the America First Agenda for many years to come," Trump wrote.

Gruters first secured the chairmanship in August 2025, winning a unanimous vote at the RNC's summer meeting with Trump's backing. He previously served as the committee's treasurer.

He succeeded Michael Whatley, who left the job to run for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat. Democrat Roy Cooper defeated Whatley on Tuesday.

Trump's latest endorsement leaned heavily on Gruters' Florida record and a relationship that began years before the president entered the 2016 race.

"As State Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Joe helped us deliver massive and historic Victories across the State, including my three BIG WINS in 2016, 2020, and 2024! Joe was the Chairman of Florida when I won that Great State by the Highest Vote Margin in History, as we then went on to win the 2024 Presidential Election."

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Gruters chaired the Florida GOP from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, Republicans erased Democrats' voter registration advantage and scored sweeping gains in the state.

The pair's ties stretch back to Gruters' days leading the Sarasota County Republican Party.

"As Sarasota County Chairman, Joe named me Statesman of the Year in both 2012 and 2015 — The only person to ever win it two times!" Trump posted.

The president also pitched Gruters as a partner for the next presidential election.

"Joe Gruters should return as Chairman of the RNC to continue to build our Party, and be a trusted partner as we MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and ensure Free and Fair Elections. Republicans everywhere should support him as he continues his mission at the RNC. Joe is 100% America First, the Grassroots LOVES him, and I know he will do an incredible job in 2028, and secure Great Success for Republicans all across our Country."

Tuesday's results left Republicans confronting the loss of their House and Senate majorities, although the party held firmer ground in Gruters' home state.

Florida Republicans won every statewide office on the ballot but lost their state House supermajority. They also appeared positioned to retain their congressional seats, with a recount pending in the 27th Congressional District.

Among the winners was Gruters' wife, Sydney Gruters, who captured the open seat in Florida's 16th Congressional District.

POLL: Will America Regret Giving The Democrats Power?