On Tuesday, Florida Democrats achieved a significant victory by winning a long-empty state House seat that was previously held by Republicans in a district encompassing President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
Democrat Emily Gregory emerged victorious over Republican John Maples in a special election for Florida House District 87. This seat became available when Republican state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned last August to take on the role of Palm Beach County Clerk and Auditor, according to reports from the Associated Press.
This election was one of three special legislative contests held in Florida, which has a Republican majority. Although the outcome won’t alter the overall control of the state Legislature—where Republicans have maintained majorities for over 25 years—the election was significant for local pride.
Maples, who has received Trump’s endorsement, transitioned his primary residence from Trump Tower in New York City to Mar-a-Lago in 2019. He has strong backing from various Republican figures in Florida.
In a social media post the day before the election, Trump expressed his full support for Maples, emphasizing the importance of the special election in Florida’s 87th Congressional District in Palm Beach County.
Maples, 43, a financial planner with a background as an All-American athlete at Palm Beach Atlantic University, has focused his campaign on reducing taxes, cutting government spending, and promoting school choice.
On the other hand, Gregory, who is 40 and an Army spouse, runs a fitness center in Jupiter aimed at pregnant and postpartum women. As a first-time candidate, she prioritized affordable public education, combating high property and casualty insurance rates, and health care access during her campaign.
While Maples was initially considered a frontrunner, especially due to his fundraising capabilities tied to affluent districts, the dynamics of the race shifted. Historical data hints that Trump could potentially secure a solid lead in the upcoming 2024 election, having previously won the district by a notable margin.
Palm Beach County, once a stronghold for Democrats, has seen a noticeable shift towards Republicans in recent elections.
This recent win contributes to a series of improved performances by Democrats in various special and off-year elections since Trump regained the presidency more than a year ago.
Democrats attribute their electoral success to a focus on issues of affordability amid ongoing inflation concerns. This win is seen as a morale booster as they aim to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and potentially the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) labeled Gregory’s win as a significant triumph for Florida Democrats and a stark setback for Trump. DNC Chairman Ken Martin remarked that the local results echoed a clear message from Trump’s neighbors, showcasing their readiness for change.
However, the Republican National Committee (RNC) urged caution, suggesting that special elections don’t always provide a reliable gauge for future outcomes.
In another special election in Florida, Republican Hillary Hawley defeated Democrat Edwin Perez to fill the seat of Republican state Rep. Josie Tomkow in Polk County.
Meanwhile, the state Senate special election featuring Tomkow and Democrat Brian Nathan remains too close to call, with both candidates vying to succeed Republican Jay Collins, who resigned to become lieutenant governor. This district includes the Democratic-leaning Tampa area and the more Republican Northwest Hillsborough suburb.
