Kurt Hoffman backs Sydney Gruters in the race for a redrawn CD 16

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman is backing Republican congressional candidate Sydney Gruters, delivering a key local endorsement as the race for the newly redrawn Florida’s 16th Congressional District takes shape.

“Sydney Gruters’ roots in Sarasota County run deep, and so does her commitment to public service,” Hoffman said in a statement.

“With the recent redistricting, Sarasota County would be fortunate to have someone in Congress who understands this community, knows its needs and has a proven record of serving the people who call it home. Sydney is a workhorse, not a showhorse. She is a serious public servant who puts in the work, solves problems and delivers results. She shares our values and will be an effective voice for us in Washington. I am proud to endorse Sydney Gruters for Congress.” 

Hoffman is the latest Sheriff to endorse Gruters in the reshaped district, which is one of the most dramatic transformations in the state’s new map. The new district stretches into south Pinellas County, pulling in parts of St. Petersburg while continuing to anchor in Manatee County and extending further inland through Hardee, DeSoto and Polk counties.

Gruters, however, immediately affirmed intent to run for CD 16, announcing that her campaign will focus on earning the support of southern Pinellas County voters in response to state-level redistricting efforts. 

Gruters said Hoffman’s endorsement reflects her campaign’s focus on public safety and constituent service.

“Sheriff Hoffman has dedicated his career to protecting Sarasota County and serving this community with professionalism, integrity and steady leadership,” Gruters said. “I am honored to have his support and grateful for the trust he has placed in our campaign. Public safety begins with leaders who listen, show up and do the work, and Sheriff Hoffman has set that standard in Sarasota County.” 

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the new congressional map, creating a multicounty seat that links urban coastal communities with rural and agricultural regions across Southwest Florida. It also forces an urban and democratic voting bloc in St. Petersburg to compete for representation with right-leaning Manatee County and surrounding areas at the same time.

The shift has drawn sharp criticism from Pinellas County officials. St. Petersburg Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson and other lawmakers warned that the changes could dilute representation for south St. Petersburg residents by tying them to far-flung inland counties. Manatee County remains the largest population base in CD 16, and its voters will likely exert outsized influence over candidates from communities newly added to the district.

Gruters currently faces John Peters, Eddie Pope and Eddie Speir in the Republican Primary race for the seat. Democrats Jonathan Harris, Tamika Lyles, Glenn Pearson and Jan Schneider have also filed to run for the seat, as have no-party candidates Mark Davis and Keith Varian.

It remains to be seen if a candidate from Pinellas files to run for the seat, but Gruters’ campaign is already well funded and has earned plenty of big-name endorsements.

Support from key law enforcement officials like Hoffman — along with earlier backing from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells — has boosted Gruters ahead of the August Primary. Gruters has also been endorsed by President Donald Trump, other high-profile Republicans, and groups such as the Winning For Women Action Fund.