Trump Candidate Defeated In Home Turf As Democrat Flips Mar-a-Lago District

Photo: maralagoclub.com

India-West News Desk

MIAMI, FL – A Trump-backed Republican candidate has been defeated on the president’s home turf, as Democrat Emily Gregory won a closely watched special election in a district that includes Mar-a-Lago.

Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples by about 2.4 percentage points in Florida House District 87, according to The Associated Press, flipping a seat long held by Republicans in Palm Beach County.

The upset came despite strong backing from Donald Trump, who urged voters to support Maples in the days leading up to the election. “There is a very important Special Election tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th, for Florida State House District 87 in beautiful Palm Beach County — JON MAPLES HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!” Trump wrote on social media.

He also described Maples as “a very successful Businessman and Civic Leader, who is known and loved, and also endorsed by so many of my Palm Beach County friends,” while calling the race “very important.”

The contest drew national attention not only for Trump’s involvement but also for its location in the president’s adopted hometown. “And while the contests won’t change the balance of power in the state legislature, where for more than a quarter-century Republicans have held majorities in both the House and Senate chambers, bragging rights were up for grabs in the president’s home district,” Fox News said.

Gregory’s victory marks a notable shift in a district Trump carried by roughly 10 points in 2024. The seat had been vacant since former state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned last year.

Democrats framed the result as a broader warning sign for Republicans. “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change,” DNC chair Ken Martin emphasized in a statement. “If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere.”

The result is the latest in a string of strong Democratic performances in special elections. “The Democrats’ victory is their latest win or over performance in a slew of special elections and off-year contests since Trump returned to power in the White House 14 months ago,” Fox News said, adding that “Partially fueling the Democrats’ ballot box performances is their laser focus on affordability amid persistent inflation.”