Emily Gregory has secured a significant victory in the special election for Florida House District 87, flipping the seat from Republican to Democrat on March 24, 2026. With almost all votes counted, Gregory led by 2.4 percentage points, or 797 votes, marking a notable shift in the political landscape of the district, which includes Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
The seat was previously held by Republican Mike Caruso, who resigned to take on the role of Palm Beach County clerk. Caruso had won the district by a substantial 19 percentage points in the 2024 election, making Gregory’s victory all the more striking. Her win is seen as indicative of a broader trend of shifting voter sentiment against Trump and the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach.
Gregory, a small business owner and first-time candidate, is expected to seek election for a full two-year term in November. Her opponent, Jon Maples, received an endorsement from Trump, who himself voted by mail in this election despite his previous criticisms of mail voting.
In the wake of the election results, reactions have been swift. Heather Williams remarked, “If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” highlighting the implications of Gregory’s win. Ken Martin added, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change.”
Democrats have now flipped 29 seats from Republican control since Trump took office, reflecting a growing momentum within the party. Christine Hunschofsky stated, “This victory also reflects the broader momentum building across Florida,” while Nikki Fried expressed her congratulations to Gregory, calling it a “monumental victory.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the upcoming midterm elections will see 650 seats in play, with many eyes now on Florida as a key battleground. The results from District 87 may signal a larger shift in voter attitudes as the nation approaches a pivotal election cycle.
