ATLANTA, GA – Joe Gruters, a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, has been elected as the new chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), succeeding Michael What, as the RNC’s summer meeting took place in the capital and largest city of the battleground state of Georgia. This transition occurs as Whatley steps down to pursue a Senate seat in North Carolina, marking a significant shift in the RNC leadership.
Gruters, a Florida state senator and RNC committee member, succeeded Whatley as he prepares to run for the Senate in North Carolina. The election of Gruters underscores Trump’s continued influence over the RNC and the party’s alignment with the president’s political vision. Gruters, who held various roles in Florida and the RNC, is expected to prioritize election integrity and Midterm election victories.
Trump has endorsed Gruters, calling him a ‘Fierce Advocate for our Movement’ and a ‘MAGA warrior who has been with us from the very beginning.’ The move has drawn criticism from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which views the appointment as an extension of Trump’s ideological agenda. The ascension of Gruters, however, is the latest sign of Trump’s complete control over the national party committee.
As the RNC continues to focus on midterms, Gruters’ leadership is expected to shape the party’s strategy for the upcoming elections. The party’s robust fundraising efforts and current lead over the Democratic National Committee suggest a strong position in the lead-up to the midterms. Gruters’ role in transforming Florida’s political landscape and his commitment to protecting the vote are likely to be central to his leadership.
Whatley’s Senate bid in North Carolina, a battleground state, is expected to be one of the most expensive and competitive races in the country. This transition in RNC leadership highlights the ongoing influence of Trump within the party and the strategic importance of the Midterms for the GOP. The party’s focus on voter registration and mobilization is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.