Trump Endorses Joe Gluters as RNC Chair
President Donald Trump has given his approval for Michael Wailey to succeed as chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), backing Florida state Senator Joe Gluters in the process.
As noted by Ballotpedia, Gruters, a former CPA and co-founder of an accounting firm in Sarasota, has served on various committees, including the Sarasota County Planning Commission and the Florida Sports Foundation. He started his political journey in 2016 when he was elected to the Florida House (73rd District), succeeding Greg Steube. Gruters then moved to the Florida Senate in 2018 (22nd District), winning re-election in both 2020 and 2022.
On Thursday, Trump shared a post on Truth Social endorsing Wailey for a Senate bid to fill the seat of Sen. Tom Tillis (RN.C.), who announced he would not be running for re-election.
“Mike will make an incredible senator from North Carolina,” Trump stated, praising Wailey’s past performance, particularly during the presidential election and as chair of the RNC, which eked out election wins across all swing states.
“Fortunately, there are those who excel as RNC chairs,” Trump added. “Joe Gluters is among them and has my full support—should Michael Wailey decide to run for the Senate, this is my complete backing.”
Gluters, a long-time ally of Trump, took on the RNC’s accounting role earlier this year. He has also clashed with former rival Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FLA.) during the 2024 primary race.
The growing tension between Gluters and DeSantis points to a power struggle within the Florida GOP, particularly over important policy issues and political appointments. Notably, in 2024, Gruters broke ranks by supporting Constitutional Amendment 3, aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis, while DeSantis vigorously opposed it, campaigning actively against it.
“This situation in Florida starts to smell like marijuana… and it will reduce the quality of life,” DeSantis previously remarked.
Moreover, in 2023, DeSantis promoted a law that diminished the influence of teachers’ unions, a move that Gruters voted against.
The RNC chair has officially called for elections among committee members, yet Trump’s endorsement almost guarantees a smooth ascent for Gluters.
