A Democrat is poised to represent President Donald Trump and his Mar-a-Lago residence in the Florida House of Representatives after Republicans surprisingly lost in a special election.
Democratic candidate Emily Gregory was expected to defeat Republican challenger Jon Maples in a special election Tuesday, according to Decision Desk headquarters.
Republicans hold a large majority in the state of Florida, so an upset will have little effect on state politics. But it represents a symbolic victory for Democrats and a warning sign for Republicans ahead of November’s congressional midterms, where the GOP faces an uphill battle to retain majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
Trump easily won Florida’s 87th legislative district in 2024. It includes Palm Beach, which Trump declared his headquarters during his first term when he moved from Manhattan’s Trump Tower to his Mar-a-Lago resort.
The loss is also personal for Trump, who endorsed Maples, posting on social media Monday that he gave the Republican nominee “MY FULL AND ENTIRE SUPPORT!”
Gregory, according to his campaign website, runs a fitness center for new mothers and pregnant women. Like many successful Democratic candidates in Trump’s second term, she highlighted the cost of living and pledged to “fight for a healthier and more affordable Florida where families can thrive.”
Gregory’s victory adds to a streak of Democratic victories or outperforming in off-cycle and special elections in recent months. With polls showing voters disappointed with Trump’s handling of the economy, Democrats are sensing opportunity in national as well as state and local races.
The unpopularity of the Iran war, which the US and Israel launched on February 28, only increased Democratic optimism and Republican fears.
