Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election for Florida's House District 87 on March 25, 2026, flipping a seat that had been vacant since August 2025. The victory came in a district that includes Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Palm Beach estate. Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples, who had the backing of Trump, who moved his primary residence to Mar-a-Lago in 2019. The race filled the seat left empty when GOP state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned in August 2025 to become Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.
The election was one of three special legislative contests held in Florida on Tuesday. While the results won't change the overall balance of power in the state House, which remains Republican, the win marks a rare Democratic gain in a district that has long been a Republican stronghold. Maples, a former state senator, had sought to reclaim the seat for the GOP after Caruso's resignation. Gregory, a former school board member, campaigned on issues like education funding and healthcare access.
Trump publicly endorsed Maples in the weeks leading up to the election, a move that drew attention given the district's political significance. However, Gregory's campaign focused on local concerns, emphasizing her experience in Palm Beach County government. The race drew heavy turnout, with over 120,000 votes cast in the district, according to preliminary counts.
The victory comes as Democrats eye broader gains in the November 2026 midterm elections. State Rep. Caruso's resignation had created an opportunity for both parties to compete in a district that has historically leaned Republican. Gregory's win could signal shifting dynamics in Palm Beach County, though Republicans still hold a majority in the state House. The election results will be closely watched as part of the broader 2026 legislative cycle.