Emily Gregory wins in Mar-a-Lago district: a hopeful sign for Democrats in Florida
The victory of a Democratic candidate in a symbolic Florida district indicates a possible political shift ahead of the mid-term elections.
Democrat Emily Gregory won the Florida by-election in the district that includes Mar-a-Lago. Gregory, according to reports by CNN and the New York Times, beaten Donald Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples. The special election was for a state House seat. For the Democrats, Gregory's victory is important ahead of November's mid-term elections.
It does not change Republican majority control in the Florida House, but it may give a boost to the liberal party ahead of the midterm elections. The Democrats in fact may try to deal a blow to the Republican dominance that has held sway for years in Florida, a state easily won by Trump in 2024. With experience in public health and mental health, now running afitness centre for post-natal mothers, Gregory is running for office for the first time.
"The results send a clear message that people in Florida want to move in a new direction, one where leaders focus on reducing costs and helping working families," Gregory said. "When we started, no one believed it was possible. They thought we were crazy. I know my community and I know it deserves better. It deserves a leader who fights," Gregory added, addressing his supporters.
This local election in Florida's 87th district took on symbolic significance because the district is home to the luxurious property where Donald Trump spends most of his weekends. "Democrats just won back Trump's Mar-a-Lago district!" the party exulted on X.
Democrats have won an overwhelming majority of by-elections since Trump was re-elected to the White House in January 2025, even in a traditionally Republican state like Texas.
