Big Upset in Palm Beach
Democrat Emily Gregory stunned local politicos by winning the special election for Florida State House District 87, the district that contains President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. The race was called Tuesday night with Gregory at about 51 percent and Republican Jon Maples at 49 percent after all precincts reported. For a district President Donald Trump carried by roughly 11 points in 2024 this result is unexpected and will get both parties asking some tough questions about turnout and messaging.
President Trump Endorsed Maples
President Donald Trump personally endorsed Jon Maples and urged voters to turn out, praising Maples as a businessman who would cut taxes, support law enforcement, defend the Second Amendment, and safeguard elections. High level endorsements do not always guarantee victory, but they do set expectations. Maples was positioned as the heir to conservative priorities in the district yet still lost by a narrow margin.
What the Vote Looked Like
The special election replaced a seat left vacant in August when Republican Mike Caruso resigned after being appointed Palm Beach County clerk. Turnout in special elections is often low and unpredictable. With all precincts reporting the final tally was close, and local dynamics likely mattered more than national polls. Decision Desk HQ and other outlets projected the win for Gregory as returns came in late Tuesday.
Why This Matters
Flipping a seat like District 87 is a wake up call for Republicans in Florida, even in areas President Donald Trump once won handily. Conservative operatives will want answers on voter contact and issues that resonated with neighbors around Mar-a-Lago. Democrats will celebrate it as proof targeted efforts can swing local races. Expect both sides to retool strategies before the next round of contests.
Tonight has seen several close elections in Florida.
In State House District 87 – home to Mar-a-Lago – Democrat Emily Gregory is projected to defeat Republican Jon Maples.
Trump carried this district by 11 points in 2024.https://t.co/52LoigPiR9 pic.twitter.com/RSSvv81uUD
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) March 24, 2026
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