Winning For Women endorsement adds national backing to Sydney Gruters’ CD 16 bid

Sydney Gruters is stacking early support in her bid for Congress, landing a national endorsement from the Winning For Women Action Fund for her campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida’s 16th Congressional District.

Winning For Women is dedicated to identifying and supporting the next generation of conservative women who “will govern thoughtfully, support strong national security, and champion economic freedom.”

The group’s endorsement is often more than words. Since the 2020 cycle, the group has raised and directed nearly $45 million to help elect conservative women, including $20 million invested in competitive Primaries and General Elections, according to a press release announcing the endorsement. 

Gruters launched her campaign with major momentum from and early endorsement by President Donald Trump. She also quickly raised funds — more than $100,000 in the first five hours of her campaign. Gruters has also earned backing from notable local public figures like Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.

Winning For Women said Gruters represents a new generation of Republican leadership.

“Sydney represents the next generation of conservative leadership our party needs in Congress,” Winning For Women President Danielle Barrow said.

“She knows her district well, has deep experience in public service, and will be a strong advocate for lowering costs for families and protecting our national security. We’re proud to stand with her as she makes her case to voters, and WFW AF is committed to helping ensure she has the resources she needs to get her message out and win.” 

Winning For Women Executive Director Meredith Allen Dellinger said Gruters’ work and support from the Trump administration are key factors in the endorsement.

“Sydney enters this race with President Trump’s early endorsement, a reflection of her strong qualifications from a career in public service, including her work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Dellinger said.

“Sydney’s deep roots in her community and commitment to conservative values make her exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress. She’s a proven fighter who will deliver results in Washington, and we’re thrilled to support her campaign.” 

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. She 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.

Sydney Gruters has spent nearly two decades in public service, including roles in congressional offices for Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Greg Steube. During the first Trump administration, she oversaw U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development operations in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, managing six offices and roughly 80 staff. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the New College Foundation.

Her campaign is centered on lowering costs for families, protecting affordability and advancing conservative priorities. Gruters said the endorsement helps validate her push to earn another seat in Congress for Republican women.

“I’m truly honored to have the support of Winning For Women,” Gruters said.

“This endorsement means a great deal to me, not only because of the work the organization does to support women stepping forward to serve, but because it reflects a shared commitment to leadership, responsibility, and fighting for the people and communities we represent. I’m deeply grateful for their confidence and proud to have their support.”