From ABC News: The Republican National Committee on Friday elected President Donald Trump’s candidate of choice, Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, by unanimous voice vote.
Gruters’ ascendency underscores the RNC’s commitments to boosting those who share Trump’s political vision as the White House zeros in on its priorities ahead of the midterms.
The position had been left open by departing chairman Michael Whatley, who last month launched a bid for retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis’ Senate seat. While co-signing Whatley’s campaign on his social media site, Trump offered his “complete and total endorsement” to Gruters, who he said would do a “wonderful” job as chairman.
Trump’s backing cleared the prospective field instantly and Gruters ran unopposed.
President Trump congratulated Gruters in a post on Truth Social Friday. He wrote:
Congratulations to MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters, who I very strongly Endorsed, on his unanimous Election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, succeeding the incredible Michael Whatley, who recently launched his Campaign for the United States Senate from the Great State of North Carolina, with my Complete and Total Endorsement. VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY TO, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
As State Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Joe helped us deliver Massive and Historic Victories across the State, including my 6 BIG WINS, including Primaries, in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and has helped us turn Florida, RED AS RED CAN BE!
Joe has been with me from the very beginning, helping us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and I look forward to continue working closely with him in this new role to protect and expand our Republican Majorities in 2026, and beyond. Congratulations Joe!
Gruters posted a photo as Whatley handed over the large gavel, and wrote, “What an honor to be elected as the next RNC Chairman and to have the trust and support of President Trump and the Republican Party. We will pick up right where @ChairmanWhatley left off and hit the ground running, working to expand our majorities. On to victory in 2026!”
What an honor to be elected as the next RNC Chairman and to have the trust and support of President Trump and the Republican Party.
We will pick up right where @ChairmanWhatley left off and hit the ground running, working to expand our majorities.
On to victory in 2026! pic.twitter.com/ET7ss1khVx
— Chairman Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) August 22, 2025
Now Whatley is running for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina.
“North Carolina is a CRUCIAL state Republicans must hold to maintain our majority…
With President Trump’s COMPLETE and TOTAL endorsement, I am running to be the next Senator from the great state of North Carolina.” – @ChairmanWhatley pic.twitter.com/5ctFTvlHJA
— Whatley War Room (@whatleywarroom) August 22, 2025
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