Democrats Target Florida’s House District 87 in Special Election

Democrats are gearing up for a special election in Florida’s House District 87, which encompasses Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Before polls opened on Tuesday morning, Trump urged voters in Palm Beach County to participate in the election, calling on “all great patriots” from the district to make their voices heard.

This election is crucial as it seeks to fill a legislative seat that has remained vacant since Republican Mike Caruso’s resignation last August.

The contest is being seen as a test of Trump’s political sway in the area, particularly with the 2026 midterms on the horizon. Campaign spending has skyrocketed, exceeding $1 million.

Amid economic concerns affecting Palm Beach County—which stretches coastal areas like Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter—Trump emphasized the election’s significance, labeling it “very important.”

He has endorsed Jon Maples, a 43-year-old financial planner and former local council member, whose campaign aligns closely with Republican principles at both state and national levels.

Trump described Maples as “known and loved” within Palm Beach County, highlighting his support from several local allies. Maples aims to reduce taxes and government spending, cut regulations, promote job growth, and advance school choice initiatives.

Opposing him is Gregory, a 40-year-old small business owner and first-time candidate, who has centered her campaign on issues like public-school funding, healthcare access, and the economic challenges facing local families.

Her platform tackles concerns such as rising insurance premiums, property taxes, and the overall cost of living, particularly in light of increasing energy prices.

Gregory remarked on Trump’s involvement, saying, “It’s impacted people’s interest in talking to me about it. He is a constituent. But I am more focused on all 115,000 voters in District 87, not just the one.”

She expressed pride in her campaign effort, adding, “I think it’s going to be close, and I think we’re going to come out on the right side of it.”

“We’re gearing up to carry our momentum to Trump’s own backyard as Emily Gregory mounts a strong campaign to flip Mar-a-Lago blue. It’s a tough district that Trump won by 11 points, but we know voters are motivated to hold Republicans accountable for rising costs,” noted Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC).

In a post on Truth Social, Trump directed voters to a campaign website for polling information and assured them that Maples “will never let you down.”

“As your next State Representative, Jon will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Elections, Support our Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump stated.