ATLANTA (AP) — Florida conservative Joe Gruters, a Donald Trump cheerleader dating back to his days as a reality TV star, is the president’s handpicked choice to be the next Republican National Committee chairman.

Having no opposition, Gruters’ formal election is scheduled Friday at the Republicans’ summer meeting in Atlanta.

For Gruters, the vote will complete a steady climb from county party leader into the top ranks of Trump’s second presidency. For Trump, Gruters’ ratification reflects his penchant for loyal lieutenants and evolution from a new president disinterested in party machinery to an Oval Office veteran intent on gripping all levers of power.

Here is a look at Gruters’ history with Trump and Republicans and what that means as he becomes chairman.

Gruters was with his ‘Stat

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