Florida Democrat flips seat in special election in district that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago

PBS NewsHour
by Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press
March 25, 2026
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3 min read

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Democrat wins special election in Trump-endorsed district containing Mar-a-Lago, signaling GOP vulnerability in Florida.

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Democrat Emily Gregory won a Florida state legislative special election Tuesday, flipping a seat in the district containing Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's Palm Beach residence. Trump had endorsed Republican Jon Maples in the race, posting on social media Monday to urge voter turnout for his candidate, who he said was backed by his Palm Beach County friends. The result represents a Democratic gain in a heavily Republican area where the president maintains his primary home, and a public rejection of Trump's explicit endorsement just weeks into his second term. Gregory's victory suggests potential vulnerability for Republicans in traditionally conservative Florida districts, even with presidential backing. The special election outcome comes as Trump continues to shape GOP strategy and endorsements across the country.

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