Sydney Gruters Explores Potential Run for Florida’s 16th Congressional District
SARASOTA, FL – Sydney Gruters, Executive Director of the Modern College Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, is considering a bid for Florida’s 16th Congressional District, following the announced retirement of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. Whereas no formal announcement has been made, advisors confirm she is actively exploring a campaign.
Interest and Support
According to Max Goodman, a Southwest Florida political consultant, Gruters has received “a tremendous amount of encouragement and support from people across Southwest Florida” urging her to run. “She’s grateful for the support and is listening closely, but no announcement will be made at this time,” Goodman stated, pushing back against reports suggesting a campaign launch is imminent (Florida Politics).
Background and Experience
Gruters currently serves as Executive Director of the New College Foundation, a position she assumed in 2023 following a conservative shift in the college’s Board of Trustees (Florida Politics). Since her arrival, the Foundation’s assets have increased from $39 million to $54 million.
Prior to her role at New College, Gruters served as District Director to U.S. Rep. Greg Steube from 2019 through 2023. She also has experience working for U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, serving as an Operations Director from 2007 to 2017. She held a position as the Rural Development State Director for Florida with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from late 2017 to early 2019 (Florida Politics).
Political Landscape
The potential candidacy of Sydney Gruters adds another layer to a developing race to succeed Buchanan. Many potential candidates have been waiting to see if Joe Gruters would enter the race, but his recent role as Chair of the Republican National Committee (Sarasota Magazine) presents logistical challenges during a critical midterm election cycle. This has shifted attention to Sydney Gruters as a viable contender.
Joe Gruters’ Role at the RNC
Joe Gruters was unanimously elected as the 67th chair of the Republican National Committee in August 2025, succeeding Michael Whatley (Sarasota Magazine). He previously served as Florida state senator and chair of the Republican Party of Florida.