Key moments
In a surprising turn of events, Emily Gregory has won a special election in Florida’s 87th state house district on March 24, 2026. This victory is particularly notable as Gregory, a first-time lawmaker with a background in public health, defeated Republican candidate Jon Maples, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
The election results were closely contested, with Gregory leading by a narrow margin of just 2 percentage points. This is a stark contrast to the previous election in 2024, where the Republican candidate won the seat by a substantial 19 percentage points. The shift in voter sentiment suggests a significant change in the political landscape of the district.
The seat became available after the former occupant, GOP State Representative Mike Caruso, was appointed to a county clerk position by Governor Ron DeSantis. Gregory’s campaign focused on pressing affordability issues, including the rising cost of living, rather than directly engaging with the Trump endorsement of her opponent. She highlighted concerns such as the $4 per gallon gas prices affecting Florida families.
Trump himself participated in the election by voting by mail, despite having previously criticized mail-in voting. This contradiction has not gone unnoticed and adds an interesting layer to the narrative surrounding this election. Gregory’s strategy of focusing on local issues rather than national figures appears to have resonated with voters, as she stated, “I think my opponent put it front and center, and I focused on the issues that matter most to Florida families.”
The Democratic Party has hailed this victory as an “earth-shattering win for Florida Democrats,” indicating that it could signal a broader trend in the upcoming midterm elections. Heather Williams, a party spokesperson, remarked, “If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” suggesting that the implications of Gregory’s win could extend beyond just this district.
Political analysts view this election result as a referendum on the performance of national Republicans, particularly in light of the shifting dynamics in Florida. Ken Martin, a Democratic strategist, commented, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change.” This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among voters in traditionally Republican areas.
Since Trump’s election, Democrats have successfully flipped 29 districts, and Gregory’s victory adds to this trend. Shaughnessy Naughton, another Democratic leader, noted, “Emily won because Floridians trust her to make decisions based on evidence not ideology,” emphasizing the importance of trust and credibility in political campaigns.
As Florida prepares for the upcoming midterms, the implications of Emily Gregory’s victory will likely be a focal point for both parties. The changing political landscape in the state could lead to more competitive races and a reevaluation of strategies by the Republican Party as they seek to regain lost ground.