Democrats Aim to Flip Trump's Home District in Florida Special Election

A Democratic victory in the race for Florida's 87th Congressional District could send a personal message to the former president.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democrats are making a concerted effort to flip a Republican-held House seat in Florida's 87th Congressional District, which includes former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The special election on March 24 pits Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate and small business owner, against Republican Jon Maples, a financial planner and former town council member. The Florida Democratic Party has made this race a top priority, sending staff and volunteers to the district to support Gregory's campaign.

Why it matters

A Democratic win in this district, which has long been a Republican stronghold, would be seen as a significant symbolic blow to Trump and could signal broader opportunities for Democrats in Florida's upcoming gubernatorial and Senate races, as well as the nationwide midterm elections.

The details

The 87th Congressional District includes the coastline along northern Palm Beach County, where Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and residence, is located. The race has become a high-profile contest, with the Florida Democratic Party backing Gregory 'with everything we've got' in an effort to 'flip the president's home district.' Trump has endorsed Maples, but Democrats have zeroed in on support for Gregory, who sued to force Governor Ron DeSantis to call the special election after delays.

  • The special election in Florida's 87th Congressional District is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
  • The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2027.

The players

Emily Gregory

A first-time candidate and small business owner who has focused her campaign on public health and mental health issues.

Jon Maples

A financial planner and former member of the Town Council in Lake Clarke Shores, who is the Republican candidate in the race.

Nikki Fried

The chair of the Florida Democratic Party, who has made this race a top priority for the party.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida, who was sued by Emily Gregory to force him to call the special election after delays.

Donald Trump

The former president, whose Mar-a-Lago resort is located in the 87th Congressional District, and who has endorsed the Republican candidate, Jon Maples.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said the state party was backing Gregory 'with everything we've got' and made the race a top priority by sending staff and volunteers to knock on doors, make calls and send texts to ensure voters 'flip the president's home district.'”

— Nikki Fried, Florida Democratic Party Chair (Politico)

What’s next

The special election in Florida's 87th Congressional District will be held on March 24, 2026. The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2027.

The takeaway

This race in Trump's home district has become a high-stakes contest, with Democrats hoping a victory would send a personal message to the former president and signal broader opportunities for the party in Florida and nationwide. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress and the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.