Florida Democrats made a significant move on Tuesday, flipping a long-held Republican seat in the state House. This position was located in a Palm Beach district that notably includes Mar-a-Lago, the residence of former President Donald Trump.
In a special election for Florida House District 87, Democrat Emily Gregory triumphed over Republican John Maples. This seat opened up after Republican state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned last August to take on a role as the Palm Beach County Clerk and Auditor, according to reports.
This election was one of three special legislative contests occurring in Republican-dominated Florida on the same day. Although this particular result won’t shift the larger power dynamics in the state Legislature—where Republicans have enjoyed majority status for over 25 years—it held significance for bragging rights, given its ties to the president’s home turf.
Maples, who has Trump’s backing, moved his primary residence from Trump Tower in New York City to Mar-a-Lago in 2019. He’s also garnered support from various Republicans across Florida. Just ahead of the election, Trump made a statement on social media expressing strong support for Maples, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming vote.
Maples, at 43, is a financial planner and formerly served on the Lake Clark Shores Board of Trustees. In college, he was an All-American athlete at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he campaigned for reduced taxes, streamlined government spending, and promoted educational choice.
On the other side of the race, Gregory, a 40-year-old Army spouse, is the owner of a fitness center in Jupiter focused on pregnant and postpartum women. As a first-time candidate, she has emphasized affordability in public education, addressed the rising costs of property insurance, and prioritized healthcare access during her campaign.
Maples had been seen as a front-runner largely because of his fundraising ability in Republican-aligned districts. Interestingly, polls suggest that Trump could potentially lead by about 10 points in this district if he runs for re-election in 2024. Palm Beach County, which was once a Democratic stronghold, has shifted significantly toward Republicans in recent years.
