Democrat Emily Gregory has claimed victory in a special election for Florida’s District 87, a seat that includes the home of President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Gregory’s win over Republican Jon Maples, who was backed by Trump, marks a notable shift in a district that leaned heavily Republican in the 2024 elections.
Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Maples in the race for the open Florida State House seat, overturning a district that Republicans previously carried by 19 percentage points.
The result is being hailed as a potential indicator of changing political dynamics in the region and a sign of increasing Democratic momentum ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The Democratic National Committee chair, Ken Martin, celebrated the victory on social media, emphasizing its broader implications: “If Democrats can win in Trump’s backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country. Onward to November!”
Trump, who endorsed Maples and publicly supported him through a Truth Social post, has yet to comment on the outcome.
Notably, Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, also campaigning for governor of Florida, had lent support to Maples, underscoring the competitive nature of the race.
