Trump Urges 'Great Patriots' to Back Republican in Florida Special Election

The race in District 87, which includes Mar-a-Lago, is seen as a test of Trump's political influence ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump has issued an eleventh-hour appeal to Florida voters, urging them to support Republican candidate Jon Maples in a high-stakes special election for a state House seat in the district that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. The race is being closely watched as a test of Trump's political influence ahead of the 2026 midterms, with the outcome potentially impacting the balance of power in Tallahassee.

Why it matters

The race in District 87 is seen as a barometer of Trump's standing with voters during his second term in the White House. The district, which stretches across coastal Palm Beach County, is voting to fill a vacant state House seat, and the outcome could have broader implications for the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Trump took to Truth Social to spotlight the special election, calling it 'very important' and throwing his full support behind Maples, who he described as a successful business owner and civic leader 'known and loved' locally. Maples is facing Democrat Emily Gregory in a race that has seen a surge of spending and outside interest, with more than $1 million having been poured into the contest. While Trump has leaned into the race publicly, Gregory has sought to downplay his role, instead emphasizing local concerns such as affordability and everyday costs.

  • Polls will be open on Tuesday, March 26, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

The players

Donald Trump

The 47th President of the United States, who is urging Florida voters to support the Republican candidate in the special election.

Jon Maples

The Republican candidate in the special election for Florida's State House District 87, who has embraced Trump's backing and says he will champion conservative priorities if elected.

Emily Gregory

The Democratic candidate in the special election for Florida's State House District 87, who has sought to downplay Trump's role and instead focus on local issues like affordability and cost-of-living pressures.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is the kind of district that fits just kind of outside the bubble of what we've seen Democratic over-performance in these targeted races. We could win it. If we don't win it, it's not going to be a surprise.”

— Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

“It's impacted people's interest in talking to me about it. He is a constituent. But I am more focused on all 115,000 voters in District 87, not just the one.”

— Emily Gregory, Democratic candidate

“As your next State Representative, Jon will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Elections, Support our Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

— Donald Trump

“The positive impacts of his [Trump's] presidency will be felt for generations—from the liberation of Venezuela, to the incredible trade deals he's negotiating, to securing the Southern Border after four years of open border policies. America is better off with Donald J. Trump in the White House.”

— Jon Maples, Republican candidate

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 race highlights the continued political influence of former President Trump, even as he seeks to shape the 2026 midterm elections from the White House. The outcome in District 87 could provide insights into voter sentiment and the broader political landscape heading into the next major election cycle.