The Associated Press announced results on the evening of 24/3: Democratic candidate Emily Gregory defeated Republican opponent Jon Maples in a special election for Florida's state legislative District 87. Gregory won against Maples by two percentage points, taking over the state legislative seat left vacant by Republican Mike Caruso.

District 87 includes part of Palm Beach County, home to the Mar-a-Lago estate, which many consider a "power base" for President Donald Trump. In the 2024 election, Republican candidate Caruso won this district by 19 percentage points over his opponent.

Democratic candidate Emily Gregory. Photo: Emily Gregory Campaign

President Trump had previously urged voters to support Maples. On 23/3, he posted on social media that "many of my friends in Palm Beach County" backed the Republican candidate.

However, Gregory, a local business owner and wife of a US military officer, attracted many neutral and conservative voters.

Gregory's victory is a "political earthquake" in the US, as Democrats managed to turn the tables in Trump's "home turf." Democrats suggest this indicates voters, dissatisfied with rising living costs, are gradually abandoning Trump and the Republican Party.

"The Mar-a-Lago area just flipped from red to blue, which will make Republicans anxious about midterm elections. A district supporting Trump in his backyard should not have become a target for Democrats, but tonight's results prove that Republicans are vulnerable everywhere," declared Democratic official Heather Williams.

Williams added that Democrats have reclaimed 29 state electoral districts since Trump took office.

President Trump lived in New York for most of his life but moved his residency and voter registration to Florida during his first term. Mar-a-Lago became a gathering place for Trump's friends and allies, as well as a destination for business executives and international leaders seeking to meet him. Even when returning to the White House, Trump often spent weekends at Mar-a-Lago.

Ngoc Anh (According to Washington Post, Guardian, AP)