Democrats are projected to win a special election for a Florida legislative district that includes Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, marking another upset in the president's backyard. Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat. The result is a reversal from 2024, when a Republican won the district by 19 percentage points.
Democrats have performed well in special elections during Trump's second term, and Gregory's victory could indicate momentum for the party heading into this year's midterm elections. Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, celebrated the victory, stating, If Democrats can win in Trump's backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country. Onward to November!
Trump endorsed Maples and called on “great patriots” to vote. Despite this, Democrats have flipped several state house seats in special elections since Trump took office in early 2025. The upcoming midterm elections, scheduled for November, will feature critical races for the US House of Representatives and a third of the US Senate.
Democrats have performed well in special elections during Trump's second term, and Gregory's victory could indicate momentum for the party heading into this year's midterm elections. Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, celebrated the victory, stating, If Democrats can win in Trump's backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country. Onward to November!
Trump endorsed Maples and called on “great patriots” to vote. Despite this, Democrats have flipped several state house seats in special elections since Trump took office in early 2025. The upcoming midterm elections, scheduled for November, will feature critical races for the US House of Representatives and a third of the US Senate.
