“Republicans around the country are looking at the State of Florida for leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said.
Orlando (January 16, 2021) — At the Republican Party of Florida’s Annual Meeting today, Joe Gruters was unanimously re-elected without opposition to a second two-year term as Chairman. Virtually the entirety of the Republican Party of Florida’s leadership attended, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio giving members updates.

In a show of strong unity, members also heard from Republican leaders including Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, Congressman Mike Waltz, Congressman Byron Donalds and Congressman Matt Gaetz.

“I’m thankful and humbled that the membership would choose me to be Chairman for another term,” Gruters said. “I look forward to working alongside the best Governor in the nation in Governor Ron DeSantis to ensure his re-election and successful mid-term elections. We are more united In Florida than ever.”

Gov. DeSantis headlined Republican leaders who spoke at the Annual Meeting, telling members that the Republican Party of Florida has been a shining success and will continue to be.

“Republicans around the country are looking at the State of Florida for leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said. “We will be undeterred in our defense of freedom — the freedom of Floridians to work, to send their kids to in-person school, and to enjoy the blessings of a beautiful state. With your help and hard work, we will be successful today, tomorrow and into the future.”

In addition to Gov. DeSantis, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio told the group that realignment needed to happen in the Republican Party to represent the reality nationally and around the world. “After Donald Trump, the Republican Party will never be the same and that is a good thing.”

National Committeeman Peter Feaman and National Committeewoman Kathleen King reported to members, State Committeeman Jeremy Evens of Escambia County gave the Constitution and Rules Committee Report and State Committeewoman Charlotte Flynt of Walton County gave the credentials report.

In addition to Gruters, officers elected by members were RPOF Vice Chairman Christian Ziegler, RPOF Treasurer Mike Moberly, RPOF Secretary Kristy Banks, Assistant Secretary Clint Pate, and Assistant Treasurer Jeremy Evans. All were unanimously elected.

During Gruters’ chairmanship, Republicans saw a red wave in Florida that resulted in Republicans flipping two Congressional seats, five state House seats and one state Senate seat — none of which were expected. Further, Republicans closed the voter registration gap with Democrats to only 134,000 — the closest that Republicans have been to a voter registration majority.

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