Democrat Emily Gregory Flips Florida Seat That Includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrat Emily Gregory won a Florida special election Tuesday. The district includes President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The upset flipped a seat Republicans had won comfortably in 2024.
Quick Looks
- Democrat Emily Gregory wins Florida special election
- District includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate
- Trump endorsed Republican Jon Maples
- Gregory wins by roughly 800 votes
- Seat previously held by Republican Mike Caruso
- Democrats see momentum ahead of midterms
Deep Look: Democrat Flips Florida Seat That Includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago In Special Election
Democrat Emily Gregory flipped a Florida state legislative seat Tuesday in a special election that included President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, delivering an upset victory in a district Republicans had comfortably controlled.
Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples, who had received Trump’s endorsement. In a social media post the day before the election, Trump urged supporters to vote for Maples, calling him a candidate backed by many of his Palm Beach County allies.
With nearly all ballots counted, Gregory led by about 2.4 percentage points — roughly 797 votes — in a district previously represented by Republican Mike Caruso, who resigned after being elected Palm Beach County clerk. Caruso had won the same seat by 19 percentage points in 2024.
Democrats Claim Momentum
Democrats quickly framed the win as another sign of shifting political momentum ahead of the November midterm elections.
Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, called the result a warning sign for Republicans.
“If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” Williams said. She noted that Democrats have flipped 29 seats nationwide since Trump returned to the White House.
Williams also pointed to economic concerns, including rising gas and grocery prices, as factors driving voter frustration.
“Families can’t get by — it’s clear voters at the polls are fed up with Republicans,” she said.
First-Time Candidate Wins
Gregory, a Stuart-area native and owner of a fitness company focused on pregnant and postpartum women, had never previously run for public office.
Speaking after her victory, she said she was surprised by the outcome and described the moment as “a fairly out-of-body experience.”
Broader Democratic Gains
The Florida victory follows other Democratic wins in traditionally Republican areas.
In December, Democrat Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral race, marking the first time in nearly three decades that the city elected a Democratic mayor. Higgins defeated a Trump-backed Republican after focusing heavily on criticism of immigration enforcement policies.
In January, Democrats also flipped a Republican-leaning Texas state Senate seat, energizing party supporters seeking signs of electoral momentum.
Trump Distances Himself
Trump, who won the district by 17 percentage points in 2024, distanced himself from the Florida loss despite endorsing Maples.
“I’m not involved in that,” Trump said following the result.
Still, Democrats highlighted the symbolism of winning in the president’s home district.
“Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. “They are furious and ready for change.”
Trump Casts Mail Ballot
Palm Beach County records show Trump voted in the special election using a mail ballot — despite frequently criticizing mail voting as vulnerable to fraud and urging Congress to limit its use.
Trump switched his residency from New York to Florida during his first term. Mar-a-Lago has since become a political hub, hosting allies, business leaders and foreign officials while serving as Trump’s frequent weekend residence.
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