In a significant political shift, Emily Gregory has won a special election for Florida House District 87, flipping the seat from Republican to Democrat. The election, held on March 24, 2026, saw Gregory leading by 2.4 percentage points, or 797 votes, with nearly all ballots counted.
The district, which includes Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, was previously held by Republican Mike Caruso, who resigned to become Palm Beach County clerk. Caruso had won the district by a substantial 19 percentage points in the 2024 election, making Gregory’s victory particularly noteworthy.
Gregory’s opponent, Jon Maples, received an endorsement from Trump, who voted by mail in the election despite his previous criticisms of mail voting. This election result is viewed as a potential indicator of shifting voter sentiment against Trump and the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach.
Heather Williams, a Democratic strategist, remarked, “If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” highlighting the implications of Gregory’s win. Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, added, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change.”
Gregory, a small business owner and first-time candidate, is expected to seek election to a full two-year term in November. With this victory, Democrats have now flipped 29 seats from Republican control since Trump took office, indicating a broader trend in voter behavior.
The election was held to fill a seat previously held by a Republican, and the results reflect a growing momentum for Democrats in Florida. Christine Hunschofsky, a fellow Democrat, stated, “This victory also reflects the broader momentum building across Florida.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this election will be closely monitored, particularly with 650 seats in play for the upcoming midterm elections. The changing dynamics in Florida could serve as a bellwether for national trends.
