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Democrat wins special election in Trump's backyard
Florida's District 87 state House seat, which includes Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, has been claimed by Democrat Emily Gregory in a special election, defying the district's 2024 Republican landslide.
Race details
Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Republican Jon Maples, who had received endorsements from both Trump and Florida gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds. In 2024, the district elected a Republican by a 19-point margin.
Unofficial results show Gregory secured the victory late Tuesday, marking the latest in a string of Democratic upsets in special elections since Trump began his second term in January 2025.
Reactions
Speaking to MSNBC on election night, Gregory said she had calculated the district was ripe for a flip.
"When I started this nine months ago, I obviously thought it was possible. I might have done some crazy calculus to decide that this was a flip opportunity, but it was. And we did it. So my math worked."
Emily Gregory, Florida state House candidate
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin celebrated the result on X, calling it a message from voters.
"If Democrats can win in Trump's backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country. Onward to November!"
Ken Martin, DNC Chair
Trump's involvement
Trump had publicly backed Maples, posting an endorsement on Truth Social and urging "great patriots" to vote in the special election. Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida governor, also recorded an endorsement video for Maples.
Broader implications
Democrats have flipped multiple state House seats in special elections since Trump's second inauguration. The midterm elections in November will include races for the U.S. House, a third of the Senate, and numerous gubernatorial and state legislative contests.
Historically, midterms serve as a referendum on the sitting president's party, and Gregory's victory could signal momentum for Democrats as they head into the fall campaign.
