Sydney Gruters is building early momentum in a crowded Republican Primary to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan with backing from Manatee County’s top law enforcement official, Sheriff Rick Wells.
Wells’ endorsement adds to a growing list of high-profile backers for Gruters’ campaign that includes President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The support also follows a recent endorsement from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, giving Gruters notable nods of approval from law enforcement leaders across the Tampa Bay region.
“Manatee County needs a strong, steady voice in Congress, and Sydney Gruters is ready to lead,” Wells said in a statement. “She knows this community, she understands the challenges families face, and she has proven that she approaches public service with seriousness and purpose, not spectacle. I’m proud to endorse Sydney because she will lead with integrity and fight for the people she represents.”
Gruters, who launched her campaign in Florida’s 16th Congressional District by raising more than $100,000 within her first five hours as a candidate, said Wells’ backing carries particular weight given his long-standing ties to the community.
“I’m honored to have Sheriff Wells’ endorsement,” Gruters said. “For decades, he and his family have served our community with strength, steadiness, and integrity. His support means a great deal to me because it reflects exactly the kind of leadership people are looking for right now: serious, grounded, and focused on doing the job. I’m deeply grateful for his confidence and proud to have him standing with our campaign.”
Gruters faces John Peters, Eddie Speir and Eddie Pope during 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.
Gruters is a longtime Sarasota-based political figure and wife to outgoing Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, who now serves as Republican National Committee Chair.
Sydney Gruters offers nearly two decades of experience in government and constituent services, including roles in the congressional offices of Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Greg Steube. She also served during the first Trump administration overseeing U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development operations across Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, managing multiple offices and staff. Most recently, Gruters led the New College Foundation.
The Primary for CD 16 is scheduled for Aug. 18.
