Newly-elected state Rep. Emily Gregory sworn in after flipping Florida House District 87

Gregory's victory flips a key state House seat in a special election

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:16pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a state capitol building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation, conceptually representing the political significance of the election outcome.Gregory's victory in the special election could shift the balance of power in the Florida legislature.Palm Beach Gardens Today

Newly elected state Rep. Emily Gregory was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall. In a special election held last month, Gregory flipped House District 87 blue, which includes parts of Palm Beach County.

Why it matters

Gregory's victory in the special election is seen as a significant win for Democrats, as the district had previously been held by a Republican. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature.

The details

Gregory, a Democrat, defeated the Republican incumbent in the special election for House District 87. The district covers parts of Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding area. Gregory's victory flips the seat from red to blue.

  • Gregory was sworn in on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The special election was held last month, in March 2026.

The players

Emily Gregory

The newly elected state representative for Florida's House District 87.

House District 87

A state legislative district in Palm Beach County, Florida that was previously held by a Republican but flipped to Democratic control in a recent special election.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored to serve the people of House District 87 and be their voice in Tallahassee.”

— Emily Gregory, State Representative

What’s next

Gregory will now begin her term as the state representative for House District 87, where she will work on legislative priorities for the district.

The takeaway

Emily Gregory's victory in the special election for Florida's House District 87 is a significant win for Democrats, flipping a previously Republican-held seat and potentially shifting the balance of power in the state legislature.