A Democrat flipped a Florida state house district that includes the Mar-a-Lago estate. President Trump won the district in 2024.
“Mar-a-Lago’s state House district just flipped from red to blue, which should have Republicans worried about their chances this November,” Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Chair Heather Williams said in a statement. “A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere.”
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair, Ken Martin, said, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change. While Trump is partying with his billionaire donors and building gilded ballrooms, Americans are being left behind and raising hell with their votes. Rep.-Elect Emily Gregory ran an incredible campaign focused on Florida families’ top concerns, from the skyrocketing cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump has unleashed across Florida.”
“If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere,” he said. “From now until November, Democrats are all gas and no brakes as we compete across every corner of Florida and the nation.”
Emily Gregory, who won the special election, beat Trump-endorsed Republican Jon Maples. President Trump urged Florida voters to back Maples, declaring on Truth Social, “Jon is a very successful Businessman and Civic Leader, who is known and loved, and also endorsed by so many of my Palm Beach County friends, including by Great State Representative ‘MAGA’ Meg Weinberger.”
“Jon will be a terrific Legislator! As your next State Representative, Jon will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Elections, Support our Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.
According to NBC News, Gregory secured 51% of the vote to Maples’ 49%.
Florida Democrats also secured a victory in the red state in December, as Democrat Eileen Higgins defeated Trump-backed Republican Emilio Gonzalez in Miami’s mayoral runoff.
