RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters today announced that Peter O’Rourke, former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has been named the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). O’Rourke, a U.S. Navy and Airforce veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the private and public sectors, will work with Chairman Gruters and the state’s Republican Executive Committees to secure victory for President Donald J. Trump and keep Florida red in 2020.
RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters said, “Peter O’Rourke brings significant political and managerial experience to the RPOF. President Donald Trump fully endorses Peter assuming leadership over the RPOF, as does Governor DeSantis. The RPOF will work hard to register new voters and mobilize the Republican faithful so we can deliver Florida for President Trump and win key legislative races in 2020.”
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “President Trump holds Peter O’Rourke in high regard and I am impressed with his experience and ability. I look forward to working with Peter at the RPOF to help the President carry Florida and to win key House and Senate races. The President personally endorsed Peter and I believe we will have a united front going into 2020.”
Peter O’Rourke, new RPOF Executive Director said, “I humbly thank Governor DeSantis and Chairman Gruters for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Florida. Florida is critical to securing victory for President Trump and we must unite all party resources to achieve our mission. I look forward to working with party leaders within the state and across the nation to launch a formidable operation and leave no doubt that Florida has swung from purple into the red.”
What Key Party Supporters Are Saying …
“Governor DeSantis is one of our nation’s leading governors and it is critical that the Republican Party of Florida is being led by national-level talent. Peter O’Rourke has the political expertise and management skills necessary to support Governor DeSantis within the state and keep our party unified as we work to deliver Florida for President Trump in 2020.” – Ike and Laurie Perlmutter, Palm Beach, Fla.
“Governor DeSantis’ leadership has been transformational for Florida and we must ensure that the state’s Republican Party is being led by someone who is able to deliver results. We fully support Peter O’Rourke as Executive Director of the RPOF and have every confidence he will successfully mobilize our base to deliver Florida for President Trump in 2020 and catapult the state party to even greater success.” – Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, Nevada
“Governor DeSantis is doing a fantastic job leading our state and deserves a state party that will support his efforts. I’ve long wanted to see the Florida GOP act as an effective political organization, and I believe Peter O’Rourke can help make this a reality. I’m happy he has the support of both President Trump and the Governor. We need a team effort to win in 2020 and I’m thrilled the Florida GOP will be working with our President and Governor to keep Florida red!” – Gay Gaines, Palm Beach, Fla.
“I am pleased to see that we now have party leadership in place that can support Governor DeSantis as he continues to make history in areas such as the environment, education and public safety. Florida is the premiere battleground state during the 2020 election, and I know Peter O’Rourke is the right person to help ensure victory for President Trump in Florida and set our party up for continued success.” – Mori Hosseini, Volusia County, Fla.
“Governor DeSantis knows what it takes to win and it’s time for our state party to stand together and support his efforts. In addition to re-electing President Trump, there is much at stake in 2020, including the continued expansion of educational choice for our families and workforce development. Peter O’Rourke understands the importance of energizing our base and building up our grassroots operation to support candidates who want what is best for Florida families.” – Ambassador John Rood, Jacksonville, Fla.
“Governor DeSantis has been driving the national conversation on a number of topics, most notably on the environment and the protection of our water resources.Florida is thriving under the Governor’s leadership and I welcome Peter O’Rourke as the Executive Director of the RPOF. We must stand strong as a party to continue achieving historic milestones on behalf of the people of Florida.” – Joe Fogg, Collier County, Fla.
“Florida’s economy is thriving and is being taken to the next level by Governor Ron DeSantis, who is leading efforts to diversify our economy and champion workforce development. Peter O’Rourke brings leadership and energy to our state party and understands how important Florida is to securing a win for President Trump in 2020.” – former State Senator Pat Neal, Sarasota County, Fla.
About Peter O’Rourke
Peter O’Rourke has served in senior executive roles in both the public and private sectors with over 25 years of transformation, operations, marketing and leadership experience. Peter brings a highly diverse set of skills in building high performance teams and innovating in demanding environments. Peter was appointed by President Trump as Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2018.
Peter is a veteran having honorably served in two services in uniform as a U.S. Navy enlisted Airman, Air Force Officer and Logistician and Army senior civilian.
In the 2012 Presidential election cycle, Peter led Strong America Now, a non-profit advocacy group, that focused on bringing efficiency and innovative solutions to federal and state governments.
Peter held leadership roles in management consulting, private equity, aerospace and operations companies with experience in sales, marketing, operations, finance and performance improvement.
Peter graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and from the United States Air Force’s Institute of Technology with a Masters of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
