Democrat Emily Gregory has won a key special election in Florida, overturning a Republican-held district that includes US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.
Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Trump-backed Republican John Maples in the race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat.
The result marks a sharp turnaround from 2024, when Republicans carried the district by 19 percentage points.
The victory is being seen as a significant upset in a traditionally conservative field and could signal growing momentum for Democrats ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin welcomed the result on social media, saying voters “sent a message”.
“If Democrats can win in Trump’s backyard, we’re sure they can win everywhere across the country. From November forward!” Martin wrote.
Trump had endorsed Maples before the vote and urged supporters to support him in a Truth Social post.
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for Governor of Florida, also campaigned for Maples.
