Joe Gruters boosts Jim Boyd for neighboring Senate district
Joe Gruters, Jim Boyd

Gruters Boyd
Sarasota and Bradenton area pols served in House together.

Republican Party of Florida chair Joe Gruters wants Jim Boyd to join him in the state Senate.

Gruters on Wednesday endorsed the Bradenton Republican in Senate District 21.

That’s no great shock, as Boyd remains the only Republican in the race. But it’s a further sign that the political forces in Southwest Florida and statewide favor Boyd for the seat.

“Jim has a proven record of fighting for the conservative values shared by so many hardworking Floridians all across our state,” said Gruters. “From protecting our borders to balancing the budget, I am confident Jim’s special brand of leadership will keep Florida on a safe and prosperous path.”

Gruters connection to Boyd has been strong for years. Both served together in the Florida House representing the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

Gruters last year ran for state Senate, handily winning in District 23 last year. That district sits to the immediate south of District 21.

Boyd could not seek reelection to the House in 2018 thanks to term limits. He announced last week he will run to succeed Bill Galvano in the Senate.

He warmly greeted Gruters’ support.

“As a member of the Senate and the Chairman of our party, I am incredibly honored to have Joe’s support this early,” Boyd said. “Election Day is more than a year away, and I am pleased with the team we are building just one week into the campaign.”

Galvano, who serves right now as Senate President, endorsed Boyd earlier this week. He cannot keep representing District 21 because he faces term limits next year.

And just yesterday, state Sens. Wilton Simpson, Kathleen Passidomo and Travis Hutson threw their support behind Boyd. Simpson will president over the Senate in after the 2020 elections so long as Republicans hold the chamber. Passidomo and Hutson are vying for the leadership position after the 2022 elections.

Boyd faces Democrat Amanda Linton, a Hillsborough County educator.

Jacob Ogles

Jacob Ogles has covered politics in Florida since 2000 for regional outlets including SRQ Magazine in Sarasota, The News-Press in Fort Myers and The Daily Commercial in Leesburg. His work has appeared nationally in The Advocate, Wired and other publications. Events like SRQ’s Where The Votes Are workshops made Ogles one of Southwest Florida’s most respected political analysts, and outlets like WWSB ABC 7 and WSRQ Sarasota have featured his insights. He can be reached at [email protected].


One comment

  • NoMoreRepublicans!

    August 21, 2019 at 11:29 am

    Maybe somebody could suggest to Trump that he give some non compis mentis-type job to Gruters up in D.C. – and we could get him the hell outta here???

Comments are closed.


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