Democrats Target GOP Stronghold Near Mar-a-Lago

Special election in Florida's House District 87 seen as bellwether for November midterms

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:05am

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Democrats are targeting Florida House District 87, home to former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, as part of a broader state-level surge. The March 24 special election pits Democrat Emily Gregory, a public health expert and small business owner, against Republican Jon Maples, a Trump-endorsed financial adviser. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has flipped 28 state legislative seats since Trump's election, with zero Republican gains.

Why it matters

Democrats view state-level victories as bellwethers for November midterms when they aim to reclaim House and Senate control. The race's winner will participate in Florida's April special session on congressional redistricting, making it a key battleground.

The details

Gregory is campaigning on affordability, housing, healthcare, and concerns about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. Voters in the district expressed outrage over aggressive ICE operations and democracy concerns.

  • The March 24 special election will determine the winner.
  • The winner will participate in Florida's April special session on congressional redistricting.

The players

Emily Gregory

A Democrat and public health expert and small business owner running for the Florida House District 87 seat.

Jon Maples

A Republican and Trump-endorsed financial adviser running for the Florida House District 87 seat.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC)

A political committee that has flipped 28 state legislative seats since Trump's election, with zero Republican gains.

Heather Williams

The president of the DLCC, emphasizing Democrats are "winning in red communities" and "putting up a fight right in the president's backyard."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.