Democrats Flip Mar-a-Lago District, Prompt GOP Alarm
Emily Gregory defeated Jon Maples in the Florida House special election for District 87, which includes Mar‑a‑Lago; Democrats also flipped another state seat, prompting GOP concern about turnout and messaging.
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Overview
Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples in the March 24 special election for Florida House District 87, which includes Mar-a-Lago, winning about 51% to just under 49%, according to reports.
The district was carried by President Donald Trump by 11 percentage points in 2024, making the flip a symbolic upset, party officials and reports said.
Florida Democratic Chair Nikki Fried said the result showed the pendulum swung in Florida and argued that winning in Trump's backyard proves Democrats can win anywhere, according to reports.
Only about 29% of registered voters cast ballots in District 87, and Gregory's margin was roughly 2 to 2.4 percentage points, about just under 800 votes, according to reports.
Gregory said she expects to be sworn in before a special legislative session that begins April 20 to redraw Florida's congressional map and that she will oppose the effort, according to the AP.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the result as Democratic momentum and Trump hypocrisy, using loaded phrases like “Trump’s backyard” and a “Trump’s double standard” section. Editorial choices privilegiize Democratic voices (Fried, Martin, Jeffries) and celebratory quotes while offering no Maples quote, and structurally link this upset to broader anti‑Republican trends.
FAQ
Emily Gregory is a first-time candidate, small business owner running a fitness center for postpartum moms, with a background in public health and mental health administration. She holds a BS in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University.[1]
Emily Gregory won with about 51% to Jon Maples' 49%, a margin of roughly 2-2.4 percentage points or under 800 votes. Voter turnout was about 29% of registered voters.[1]
The seat was vacant since August 2024 when Republican Rep. Mike Caruso, who won reelection by 19 points, resigned to become Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.
Both candidates focused on affordability, including lower property insurance, expanded healthcare, strong public schools, housing costs, and taxes, rather than Trump's presence.[1][2]
Gregory expects to be sworn in before the April 20 special session to redraw Florida's congressional map and plans to oppose the effort.[1]
