Democrats Target Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Base Ahead of 2026 Elections

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Democrats are keen on securing the support of President Trump’s enthusiastic followers within the Mar-a-Lago area.

With a recent surge in blue victories at the state level, Democrats are focusing on a special election for Florida’s District 87, where the well-known Trump-owned resort is located.

In this election, Democrat Emily Gregory, a small business owner and military spouse, faces off against Republican Jon Maples, a former Lake Shores council member who boasts Trump’s endorsement.

Trump made a public statement on Monday, praising Maples as a respected businessman and community leader, stating, “Jon is… loved by many of my Palm Beach County friends. Jon will fight tirelessly to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote businesses made in the U.S.A., and support our military, veterans, and law enforcement, while defending the Second Amendment.”

On the other hand, Gregory’s campaign highlights issues like affordability, healthcare access, political corruption, and public education. She has garnered support from Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel, who represents the nearby 22nd congressional district.

Gregory expressed her motivation, saying, “I’m running because Florida families deserve a voice that truly understands their struggles… As a mother of three and a military spouse, I encounter the same issues that many in our community deal with daily—rising costs, limited access to affordable healthcare, and a lack of support for working families.”

In recent times, Democrats have been securing numerous wins in local state elections. Over the past year, they flipped 28 seats that were previously Republican-held, even in deep-red states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, often with substantial margins.

In light of these trends, Texas Republican consultant Brendan Steinhauser remarked to Politico, “I’m ringing the alarm bell.”

Another operative bluntly stated, “We’re the party of low propensity voters now. How do we turn out these Republican voters in a midterm election?”

If Democrats succeed in flipping this Florida state seat, it would mark a significant symbolic win for the party, especially in a district Trump carried by 11 points in 2024—fueling the narrative of a potential “blue wave.”