Democrats seize Florida House seat covering President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate after Tuesday victory
In a significant political upset, Democratic nominee Emily Gregory has won a special election for District 87 in Palm Beach County on the first ballot to defeat Republican challenger Jon Maples and secure control of her district from Republicans. This historic win marks President Donald Trump's own backyard as now being represented by Democrats at both state levels following his recent loss in Florida Senate races, with Gregory emerging victorious despite facing a well-funded opponent backed by conservative donors including Elon Musk.
Developments
Perspectives
Democrat Emily Gregory won the special election for a Florida state House seat on Tuesday by defeating Republican Jon Maples and flipping control from Republicans to Democrats.
— [Mar 25, 00:45] CBS News"Trump risks total humiliation in his own backyard" as President Donald Trump faces potential defeat at Mar-a-Lago after endorsing the losing candidate. The race is seen by some media outlets like Daily Mail and NBC News as a high-stakes test of political momentum.
— [Mar 25, 00:19] [Daily Mail], [NBC News}"It looks like President Donald Trump will be represented by a Democrat in the Florida House" following Emily Gregory's upset victory to become only another first-time winner for Democrats there. Floridapolitics reports she held her lead outside of recount margins.
— [Mar 24, 03:51] [Floridalpoliics}"The race drew national attention as a test of political momentum in Florida" featuring the high-stakes showdown between Democrat Emily Gregory and Republican Jon Maples for State House District. WPTV reports on live results showing an early lead.
— [Mar 24, 03:51] [Wptv}