Democrats secured a previously Republican-held seat in the Florida state House, as Emily Gregory won a closely watched special election Tuesday night in a district that includes President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago, according to The Associated Press.
Gregory defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Jon Maples in the 87th District, which includes Palm Beach. With nearly all votes counted, Gregory held a narrow lead of 2.4 percentage points, totaling a margin of 797 votes, according to the AP.
The seat became vacant after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Republican Mike Caruso in August to serve as Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.
A Competitive Race in a Traditionally Republican District
Gregory’s win exceeded expectations in a district that had consistently leaned Republican, with Caruso winning it by 19 percentage points in 2024. Following her victory, Gregory spoke with MS NOW’s Jen Psaki and described the moment as “having a fairly out-of-body experience.” She also offered advice for those seeking to flip districts, stating: “Go for it.”
“I say back yourself. You know it only takes you getting off the sidelines to make a difference, and if you want the world to look different, then you have to go out and make it different,” Gregory told MS NOW. “I think we’ve learned over the last several years that no one is coming to save us. We have to save ourselves.”
Gregory, a small-business owner, centered her campaign on policy areas including affordability, public education, and affordable health care. She stated that her opponent, Maples, made Trump the “forefront in his campaign.” She also emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “It’s so important that we have different voices that are more representative of the average Floridian,” during her interview with Psaki.
Her victory may contribute to broader Democratic momentum ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, Democrats have flipped several Republican-held districts in states such as Texas and Georgia.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee responded to the result by highlighting its significance. “Mar-a-Lago’s state House district just flipped from red to blue, which should have Republicans worried about their chances this November,” DLCC President Heather Williams said in a statement. “A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere.”
What This Result May Signal Moving Forward
The outcome of the special election reflects a shift in a district that had previously shown consistent Republican support, while also drawing attention due to its connection to Mar-a-Lago. The result adds to a series of recent district changes and may factor into broader political dynamics as the next election cycle approaches.
