RNC elects Trump ally Joe Gruters as chair

The Republican National Committee on Friday formally voted to install Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters as the next party chair. Former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stepped down from the position after about a year to launch a campaign bid as senator for North Carolina. Whatley described being proud of all the party had accomplished during his time at the helm, and said he looked forward to passing the torch to Gruters.

What is Gruters known for? Beyond his role as state senator, Gruters also served as the chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and the RNC’s treasurer. The 48-year-old is known as a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, who picked both Whatley and Gruters for chair. It’s an honor to have the trust and support of Trump and the entire Republican party, Gruters wrote Friday. He said he planned to hit the ground running and pick back up where Whatley left off, expanding the party's majorities in both congressional chambers.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report for more about Whatley’s Senate campaign.