Full Breakdown
Florida Special Election: A Battle for Mar-a-Lago's State House Seat
3/24/2026, 5:09:34 PM
Overview of the Election
The special election for Florida's House District 87, which includes President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, is set to take place on March 24, 2026. The race features Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate and small business owner, against Republican Jon Maples, a financial advisor endorsed by Trump. This election is significant as it represents a potential shift in a district historically controlled by Republicans, particularly given recent trends of Democratic gains in special elections across the country.
Key Candidates and Their Platforms
Emily Gregory is campaigning on a platform focused on engaging all voters in District 87, emphasizing issues such as affordability and community needs. Gregory stated, “I am more focused on all 115,000 voters in District 87, not just the one,” referring to Trump's influence in the area. Conversely, Jon Maples has branded himself as a "conservative outsider" and an "America First patriot," pledging to address local issues like congested roads and rising insurance premiums. Trump's endorsement of Maples has been a pivotal aspect of his campaign, with the former president promoting Maples' commitment to conservative values on social media.
Trump's Voting Controversy
In a notable twist, Trump voted by mail in this special election, despite his long-standing criticism of mail-in voting, which he has labeled as "mail-in cheating." This contradiction has drawn attention, especially as Trump continues to advocate for stricter voting laws through the SAVE America Act, which aims to impose new identification requirements and limit mail-in voting. The White House has defended Trump's mail-in ballot as a necessity due to his residence primarily being in Washington, D.C., stating, “This is a non-story.”
Criticism and Opposition
The election has not been without controversy. Allegations have surfaced regarding the tactics employed by Gregory's campaign, including accusations of race-baiting against Maples, who is a Black conservative. Critics, including Republican commentators, have condemned these tactics as desperate and divisive. Maples himself responded to the allegations, emphasizing his commitment to a positive campaign focused on community issues.
Broader Implications
The outcome of this election could have broader implications for both parties. A win for Gregory could signify a shift in voter sentiment in a district that Trump carried by approximately 11 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. Conversely, a victory for Maples would reinforce Republican dominance in the area and bolster Trump's influence in local politics. The election is being closely watched as a bellwether for upcoming contests and the potential for Democratic gains in traditionally Republican strongholds.
What's Next
As the election date approaches, both candidates are ramping up their campaigns. Gregory aims to mobilize voters disillusioned with the current political climate, while Maples seeks to energize Trump's base. The results of this election will be pivotal not only for District 87 but also for the national political landscape as both parties prepare for the upcoming midterms.
