Key moments
Emily Gregory has emerged victorious in a special election held on March 24, 2026, for Florida’s 87th state house district. This election is notable not only for Gregory’s win but also for the context in which it occurred, as she defeated Republican candidate Jon Maples, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
The election results showed Gregory leading by a narrow margin of 2 percentage points, a significant turnaround considering that the seat was previously held by a Republican who won by 19 percentage points in the 2024 election. The seat became available after the former occupant, GOP State Representative Mike Caruso, was appointed to a county clerk position by Governor Ron DeSantis.
In her campaign, Gregory focused on affordability issues, notably addressing the rising cost of living, including gas prices which she mentioned had reached $4 per gallon. This approach resonated with voters, contrasting with Maples’ campaign, which was heavily influenced by Trump’s endorsement. Despite Trump’s vocal criticism of mail-in voting, he himself voted by mail in this election.
The Democratic Party hailed Gregory’s victory as an “earth-shattering victory for Florida Democrats,” indicating a potential shift in the political landscape of the state. Heather Williams, a prominent figure in the party, remarked that if Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, it could signal further Democratic successes in the upcoming midterms.
Gregory, a first-time lawmaker with a background in public health, runs a fitness center for pregnant and postpartum women. Her victory is seen as a referendum on the performance of national Republicans, with various party leaders interpreting the results as a clear message from voters seeking change. Ken Martin, a Democratic strategist, stated, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change.”
Shaughnessy Naughton, another Democratic leader, emphasized that Gregory’s win was due to Floridians’ trust in her ability to make decisions based on evidence rather than ideology. This sentiment reflects a broader trend where Democrats have flipped 29 districts since Trump’s election, indicating a growing discontent with Republican leadership in certain areas.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Gregory’s victory may serve as a bellwether for upcoming elections, particularly as the Democratic Party seeks to capitalize on this momentum. The implications of this election will likely be felt in the lead-up to the midterms, as both parties reassess their strategies in light of the changing voter sentiments in Florida.
