Republican Sydney Gruters wins Florida’s 16th Congressional District

Republican Sydney Gruters is projected to win the race to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).

Gruters, who is the wife of Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters and was endorsed by President Trump even before she officially entered the race, will take over for her former boss Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). DDHQ predicted prior to Election Day that Sydney Gruters was likely to win the seat.

Gruters led her Democratic opponent, Kelly Kirschner, 50.34 percent to 47.9 percent with 91 percent of the race called as of 7:57 p.m. EST, per DDHQ.

Gruters is a longtime House staffer and has worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office. She most recently served as vice president of advancement and executive director at the New College Foundation. A self-proclaimed native Floridian, Gruters campaigned alongside Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and retiring Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) during her campaign.

A secure border, controlling inflation and ensuring election security were listed as her top priorities on her campaign website . The website significantly features Trump through pictures and mentions of his political agenda.

“Sydney is ready to fight for democracy and stand with President Trump to ensure our elections are secure,” the website reads.

Gruters was also endorsed by Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other members of House Republican leadership.