Trump Issues Early Midterm Endorsement – Before Candidate Even Files To Run
President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind a potential new Republican candidate in Florida, publicly urging Sydney Gruters to enter the race for Congress in the state’s 16th District — and promising his full endorsement if she does.
In a Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump signaled strong support for Gruters, who has not yet officially declared her candidacy but is reportedly considering a run.
“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 wrote.
“Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!” the president added.
The endorsement comes as the seat opens up following GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan’s decision not to seek re-election, setting the stage for what could become a competitive Republican primary in a reliably conservative district along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Sydney Gruters is married to Joe Gruters, a prominent figure in Republican politics who currently serves as chair of the Republican National Committee and as a Florida state senator. Her potential candidacy would further cement the Gruters family’s influence within both state and national GOP circles.
Responding to Trump’s backing, Gruters expressed gratitude while stopping short of confirming her plans.
“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” she said, according to Florida Politics. “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.”
Gruters currently serves as executive director and vice president of advancement for the New College Foundation, giving her a background in education and nonprofit leadership that could shape her campaign message if she enters the race.
Trump’s early endorsement — issued before an official campaign launch — underscores his continued influence in Republican primaries and his willingness to shape candidate fields well ahead of election season. His backing often carries significant weight among GOP voters, particularly in Florida, a state where he remains highly popular within the party.
In his post, Trump also outlined the policy priorities he believes Gruters would champion in Congress, framing her as a reliable ally of his political agenda.
“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 wrote.
“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 Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
With Buchanan stepping aside and Trump already signaling his preferred candidate, the race for Florida’s 16th District is quickly taking shape — even as Sydney Gruters weighs whether to officially enter the contest.










