Joe Gruters Elected RNC Chair, Replaces Whatley

Joe Gruters, a Florida state senator and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has been unanimously elected chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) during the summer meeting in Atlanta. Gruters, who ran unopposed and had Trump's full endorsement, previously served as the RNC treasurer and chaired the Florida Republican Party, where he significantly increased GOP voter registration and helped turn Florida from a purple to a red state. He succeeds Michael Whatley, who stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. As RNC chair, Gruters will lead fundraising, coordinate state party organizations, and manage national campaign logistics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential cycle. President Trump described Gruters as a "Fierce Advocate for our Movement" and a "MAGA warrior who has been with us from the very beginning," emphasizing the party's unity under his leadership. Gruters is expected to complete his Florida Senate term while serving as the RNC chair.