Democrat Emily Gregory flips long-held Florida GOP House seat that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago

Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples in a special election for Florida's House District 87, which includes Palm Beach and Mar-a-Lago.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:35am

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In a special election for Florida's House District 87, Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples, flipping a long-held Republican seat that includes former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The district, which covers Palm Beach County, had been in Republican control for over a quarter-century.

Why it matters

The Democratic victory in this GOP-leaning district is seen as a significant win for the party, as they work to regain control of the U.S. House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. The result also represents a potential rebuke of Trump's influence in the state, as Maples had the former president's endorsement.

The details

Gregory, a 40-year-old Army spouse who owns a fitness center, campaigned on issues like affordability, public education, and healthcare. Maples, a 43-year-old financial planner and former local council member, was backed by Trump and focused on tax cuts, reducing regulations, and school choice. While Maples was favored heading into the race due to the district's Republican leanings, Gregory's victory suggests a shift in voter sentiment in the area.

  • The special election was held on March 24, 2026 to fill the seat left vacant when Republican state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned in August 2025.
  • Trump moved his primary residence from New York City to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida in 2019.

The players

Emily Gregory

A 40-year-old Army spouse who owns a fitness center in Jupiter, Florida. Gregory ran as the Democratic candidate in the special election for Florida's House District 87.

Jon Maples

A 43-year-old financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores Council member. Maples was the Republican candidate in the special election for Florida's House District 87, and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who moved his primary residence from New York City to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“There is a very important Special Election tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th, for Florida State House District 87 in beautiful Palm Beach County — JON MAPLES HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”

— Donald Trump

“Donald Trump's own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change. If Democrats can win in Trump's own backyard, we can win anywhere. From now until November, Democrats are all gas and no brakes as we compete across every corner of Florida and the nation.”

— Ken Martin, DNC Chair

“A low-turnout state House special election is a snapshot of local quirks, candidate dynamics, and turnout math — not some grand verdict.”

— Danielle Alvarez, RNC Senior Adviser

What’s next

The Republican National Committee noted that special elections are not always the best indicator of future results, and that the party will continue to compete across Florida and the nation in the upcoming midterm elections.

The takeaway

This Democratic victory in a long-held Republican district that includes former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment in the area, and could signal broader challenges for the GOP as they work to maintain control of the Florida state legislature and Congress in the 2024 and 2026 elections.