Democrat Emily Gregory flips Mar-a-Lago district, defeats Trump-backed Republican

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA: In a result few expected, Democrat Emily Gregory flipped a Republican-held state House seat that includes Mar-a-Lago, delivering a symbolic blow in President Donald Trump’s own backyard.

The special election, held Tuesday, March 24, saw Gregory edge out Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in Florida’s District 87—a race that quickly drew national attention.

Emily Gregory defeats Trump-backed Jon Maples

Gregory, a health and fitness small business owner, had just over 51 per cent of the vote as of 8 pm, while Maples, a financial adviser, trailed with just under 49 per cent. At that point, more than 95 per cent of votes had been counted.

The seat became vacant after Ron DeSantis appointed Republican Mike Caruso as county clerk and comptroller in August.

The district includes parts of Palm Beach County and Mar-a-Lago, making the outcome politically significant beyond a state-level race.

Trump voted by mail in the election, adding to the attention the contest received.

A district that was not expected to flip

The result came as a surprise given the district’s recent voting history.

Caruso had previously won the seat by double digits, and Trump carried the district by roughly 9 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.

Still, there were signs of competitiveness. Former Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly won Palm Beach County in the same election cycle, by less than a point.

The district is also represented in Congress by Lois Frankel and Brian Mast, reflecting its politically mixed nature.

National figures and groups jump into the race

The race attracted major political players from both sides. Trump backed Maples, and Republican figures such as Byron Donalds and James Uthmeier also supported his campaign.

On the Democratic side, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee backed Gregory, while retired Lt Col Alex Vindman hosted a virtual fundraiser for her.

Frankel also endorsed Gregory, adding to the growing list of Democratic supporters.

Democrats call win warning sign for Republicans

Following the result, Democratic leaders described the victory as a strong political signal.

DLCC Chair Heather Williams celebrated the upset in a social media post.

“Mar-a-Lago’s state House district just flipped from red to blue, which should have Republicans worried about their chances this November,” she said.

“A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere.”

The win adds to recent Democratic momentum in Florida. Just months earlier, Democrat Eileen Higgins defeated Emilio Gonzalez to become Miami's first Democratic mayor in decades.