The Republican National Committee has officially elected a new chairman to lead the national party.
Over the weekend, Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters won the vote to replace outgoing chairman Michael Whatley, who is running for a Senate seat in North Carolina.
Gruters, who previously served as the RNC’s treasurer, ran unopposed and was backed by President Donald Trump.
“Thank you all so much, now the party’s in great hands moving forward – the skies are clear,” Gruters joked. “No, I love the chairman, what an incredible honor.”
The vote to confirm Gruters as chairman took place at the RNC’s summer meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
Trump’s Endorsement Secured Victory
“MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters, who has been with us from the very beginning, is running to become the next Chairman of the Republican National Committee,” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this month, giving Gruters his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Whatley, who Gruters is replacing, took control over the RNC from former chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in 2024. McDaniel stepped down after tensions arose with Trump. Whatley resigned this year to launch his Senate campaign in North Carolina following the announcement that Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) would retire.
“Because of the incredible work of every member of the RNC, we had front-row seats to the greatest political comeback in American history,” Whatley said in his farewell remarks.
“After receiving a call from President Trump, I am proud to announce that I am stepping down from the RNC as chair, and going back to the old North state. With President Trump’s complete and total endorsement, I am running to be the next senator from the state of North Carolina.”
RNC Enters New Era With Strong Finances
Gruters takes control with the RNC holding $80 million in cash on hand — more than five times what Democrats currently have.
“Listen, we’re in great shape from a financial standpoint because of Michael Whatley, because our chairman has been grinding and has been doing fundraising meeting after fundraising meeting,” Gruters said at the meeting.
