Democrats in Florida won a symbolic special election victory Tuesday, flipping a state House seat whose district includes President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and residence. 

Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples by fewer than 800 votes out of more than 33,000 ballots cast in the Palm Beach-anchored district. The seat became vacant this past August when GOP state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned to become Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.

Trump carried the district by roughly 10 points in his 2024 re-election victory, while Caruso won re-election in the district by 19 points.

Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples in a special election in Florida’s House District 87. Democrats/X

“If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. “Gas prices are spiking, grocery costs are up, and families can’t get by — it’s clear voters at the polls are fed up with Republicans.”

Emily Gregory celebrates her win with her staff. Instagram / @sara_wiles

“Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change,” Democratic National Committee chairman Ken Martin emphasized in a statement. “If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere. From now until November, Democrats are all gas and no brakes as we compete across every corner of Florida and the nation.”

Jon Maples was backed by Trump, who moved his primary permanent residence in 2019 from Trump Tower in New York City to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Official Photos

The president, who moved his primary permanent residence to Palm Beach from New York City in 2019, posted a message on Truth Social on Monday exhorting “all great patriots in Florida state House District 87” to “get out and vote for Jon Maples! … Jon will never let you down!” 

The 43-year-old Maples, a financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores Council member, ran on cutting taxes and government spending, reducing regulations, promoting private-sector job creation and advancing school choice.

Emily Gregoy takes a selfie with her staff after her victory. Instagram / @sara_wiles

Start your day with all you need to know

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Thanks for signing up!

Gregory, a 40-year-old Army wife, owns and runs a Jupiter-based fitness center for pregnant and postpartum women. The first-time candidate made affordability, public education, tackling rising property insurance and housing costs, and access to health care key parts of her campaign.

President Trump walks to board Marine One as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2026, for his Mar-a-Lago residence, where he will spend the weekend. AFP via Getty Images

Despite Gregory’s victory, Florida Republicans still hold a supermajority in both legislative chambers ahead of next month’s special session, where redrawing the Sunshine State’s congressional map will be on the agenda. 

“A low-turnout state House special election is a snapshot of local quirks, candidate dynamics, and turnout math — not some grand verdict,” Republican National Committee senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement about the result.

Florida held three special elections Tuesday night to fill vacancies in the Tallahassee legislature. In House District 51, located in central Florida, Republican Hilary Holley defeated Democrat Edwin Perez in the race to replace GOP state Rep. Josie Tomkow.

Tomkow, meanwhile, was projected to lose a state Senate special election to Democrat Brian Nathan. The Republican trailed by just 408 votes out of more than 80,000 cast.

The winner of the race in Tampa-based Senate District 14 will succeed Republican Jay Collins, who resigned in August to become Florida’s lieutenant governor.