Sydney Gruters, executive director of the New College Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, announced she is running for Congress in Florida’s 16th Congressional District. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., later this year.

Gruters enters the race with prior experience working for Republican lawmakers and in federal government roles. During the first Trump administration, she served as rural development state director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She also worked as a district director for Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., and has longstanding ties to Buchanan, whom she has described as a mentor.

“I’ve spent my career helping people solve problems and get results,” Gruters said in a statement. “Southwest Florida deserves a representative who understands this community, shares its values, and will fight every day to lower the cost of living, expand opportunity, and build a stronger future for our families.”

Gruters is currently the only declared candidate in the race for the district, which former President Donald Trump carried by 16 points in the 2024 election. The Cook Political Report rates the seat as Solid Republican, making it a key opportunity for the GOP to maintain control.

She has also drawn support from prominent state Republicans, including former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, who said her candidacy has been met with strong backing and limited opposition.

At the New College Foundation, Gruters has overseen growth in assets from $39 million to $54 million, according to New College President Richard Corcoran, who praised her leadership and said he supports her congressional bid.

Democratic officials have criticized her candidacy, with Manatee County Democratic Party Chair Christine Kennedy Meier describing Gruters as closely aligned with former President Trump and calling for new representation in the district.

The race is expected to draw attention as Republicans seek to hold a reliably conservative seat in Florida, while Democrats weigh whether to mount a competitive challenge.