March 25 (UPI) — Two Florida Democrats won state legislature elections Tuesday, including one in President Donald Trump’s home district.
Democrat Emily Gregory was elected to the state house in the Palm Beach County district where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home sits. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Barron Trump all voted by mail in Tuesday’s contest.
Gregory defeated Republican financial planner Jon Maples by just over 2%. Trump had endorsed Maples. The seat was vacated by Mike Caruso, who became the Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller. He won the district by 19% in 2024.
In Tampa, union leader Brian Nathan beat former state Rep. Josie Tomkow for the seat vacated by now-Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. Collins was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis back in August. Nathan was outspent by about 10 to 1, Politico reported.
“Tonight’s result sends a clear message that people want Florida to move in a new direction, one where leaders focus on lowering costs and standing up for working families,” Gregory said in a statement to The Washington Post.
She said Tuesday night that Florida residents are “being squeezed by rising housing costs, insurance rates and everyday expenses, and that’s what this campaign has always been about: making Florida more affordable and making sure our state works for the people who live here.”
Florida still has a Republican supermajority in its state legislature. But Democrats have expressed hope from these wins.
“Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal-clear message: They are furious and ready for change,” said Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
“This victory reiterates an undeniable trend in Florida: With year-round organizing and infrastructure investment, Democrats can run and win anywhere — including Donald Trump’s backyard,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. “Floridians are tired of the chaos, corruption, and sky-high prices on everything from groceries to gas and health care.”
“Mar-a-Lago and Tampa just flipped red to blue, which should have Republicans sweating the midterms. A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere. Gas prices are spiking, grocery costs are up, and families can’t get by — it’s clear voters at the polls are fed up with Republicans,” said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a group that supports Democrats running for state legislatures, in a statement.
“If Mar-a-Lago and Tampa are vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November,” she said.
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