TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida Democrats secured two legislative victories in special elections Tuesday, including flipping a state House district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
In House District 87, Democrat Emily Gregory narrowly defeated Republican Jon Maples by about 2 percentage points, a shift from the district’s recent Republican advantage. Trump had endorsed Maples and urged voter turnout ahead of the election, making the result a closely watched test of political momentum in the state.
Democrats also captured a state Senate seat in Hillsborough County, where Brian Nathan edged Republican Josie Tomkow by just over 400 votes in a race that was expected to favor the GOP. Both seats had been vacant since last year, creating an opportunity for Democrats to gain ground.
Party leaders framed the results as a sign of shifting voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms, pointing to economic concerns and campaign investment as key factors. Republicans, however, maintained control of another open House seat in Polk County, where GOP candidate Hilary Holley won by a wider margin.
The results highlight a competitive political environment in Florida, even as Republicans continue to hold statewide advantages.
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