Rick Scott, Chad Chronister back Sydney Gruters in CD 16 race

Republican Sydney Gruters is building upon early momentum in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, landing endorsements from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

The endorsements inject fuel into a campaign that revved up some early momentum with more than $100,000 in funds raised less than five hours after launching her run for Congress last week. Gruters has also snagged other high-profile endorsements from President Donald Trump and Maggie’s List. 

Scott praised Gruters for being an “America-first” conservative in a press release about the endorsements.

“Sydney Gruters is an America-first conservative who will fight every day for the people of Florida’s 16th Congressional District! I’m proud to support her, and I know she will do a great job,” Scott said.

Chronister said he is endorsing Gruters based on a record of service, character and steady leadership.

“Sydney Gruters is a proven problem solver with a deep commitment to public service,” Chronister said. “Her focus on building safer communities and stronger neighborhoods, combined with her tireless work ethic and steady leadership, make her the strongest candidate to represent Floridians in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Gruters — a longtime Sarasota-based political figure and wife to outgoing Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, who now serves as Republican National Committee Chair — said she is grateful for the support from both Scott and Chronister.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of Senator Rick Scott. Senator Scott has been a fighter for Florida families, seniors, veterans, and job creators, and I’m proud to have his confidence as our campaign works to deliver conservative results for Southwest Florida,” Sydney Gruters said.

“I’m also honored to have Sheriff Chronister’s endorsement. He has devoted his career to protecting families and keeping communities safe, and his support means a great deal to me. I’m grateful for his trust and proud to stand with leaders who believe public service is about service, humility, and getting results.”

Gruters recently finished serving as Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the New College Foundation, a position she took over shortly after Gov. Ron DeSantis installed a conservative Board of Trustees at the Sarasota honors college.

Before that, Gruters served as District Director to U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, from 2019 through 2023. She also worked as an Operations Director for Buchanan from 2007 to 2017. Gruters also worked from late 2017 to early 2019 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the Rural Development State Director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Gruters is seeking to succeed Buchanan, who is retiring from office after representing Southwest Florida for nearly two decades — making him the longest-serving Republican to hold the seat.

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Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics contributed to this report.