Democrat Emily Gregory wins Special Election for HD 87 in Palm Beach County

Key Points:

• Democrat Emily Gregory won Florida House District 87 in Palm Beach County, flipping a reliably Republican seat for the first time this century with 51.15% of the vote against Republican Jon Maples.
• The seat was vacant for nearly two months after Republican Mike Caruso resigned, prompting Gregory to sue Governor Ron DeSantis over the delay in calling the special election, which left residents without representation during the 2026 Legislative Session.
• Gregory campaigned on affordability, education funding, healthcare access, and opposition to property tax elimination, while Maples focused on tax cuts, regulatory reduction, and school choice, receiving significant financial and institutional support including from Donald Trump.
• The victory drew national attention as a symbolic win in Trump’s own backyard, with Democratic leaders framing it as evidence of growing voter dissatisfaction with Republicans and optimism for the 2026 midterms.
• The race featured controversies including Maples’ residency questions and a politically charged text linked to Gregory’s campaign; nonetheless, the win strengthens the House Democratic caucus and energizes Florida Democrats ahead of upcoming legislative sessions and elections.