Democrats achieved an unexpected victory in Florida, securing a state House district in Palm Beach County that includes President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, as reported by Decision Desk HQ.
Emily Gregory, a small business owner focused on health and fitness, emerged victorious over Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples, a financial advisor, during the special election for Florida’s House District 87.
As of 8 p.m., with over 95% of votes tallied, Gregory received slightly more than 51%, while Maples garnered just under 49%. This election was prompted by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Republican Mike Caruso as county clerk and comptroller in August, vacating the seat. Notably, Trump cast his vote by mail.
This outcome has raised alarm bells within GOP circles, as the district has historically leaned red. Caruso previously won by a significant margin, and Trump had a roughly 9-point lead in the district in 2024. However, Democrats highlight the narrowing margins in Palm Beach County, where former Vice President Kamala Harris won by less than a point in the last presidential election.
Prominent political figures entered the race prior to Election Day, with Trump endorsing Maples and Rep. Byron Donalds campaigning alongside him. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also showed his support for the Republican candidate.
🚨 BREAKING: Democrats just narrowly FLIPPED the Florida House District that represents Donald Trump in the state legislature
The Trump+11 Palm Beach seat has elected Emily Gregory (D) over Jon Maples (R) with voter turnout below 30%
Republicans now hope to flip it back in Nov pic.twitter.com/ObiTfeMQIT
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 24, 2026
On the Democratic front, Gregory received backing from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, along with endorsements from Rep. Lois Frankel and retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who held a virtual fundraiser for her campaign.
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Chair of the DLCC, Heather Williams, interpreted the flip as a troubling sign for Republicans, asserting, “Mar-a-Lago’s state House district just flipped from red to blue, which should have Republicans worried about their chances this November. A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere.”
While Republicans might highlight the unique nature of special elections—where turnout can fluctuate significantly—losing a seat this close to Mar-a-Lago is certainly a headline that GOP strategists had hoped to avoid.
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