By BILL BARROW and ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON, Associated Press

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

Having no opposition after being tapped by the president, Gruters was elected Friday at the Republicans’ summer meeting in Atlanta.

For Gruters, the vote completes 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.

After the vote Friday, Gruters thanked Trump for choosing him and promised RNC members he

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