Emily Gregory is a Democrat who currently represents District 87 in the Florida House of Representatives. She made news in March 2026 by winning the seat held by Republicans in a district that features President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago even though the sitting president backed her opponent. According to Florida Division of Elections statistics, voters in District 87 favored Republican candidates by a margin of 19 points in 2024. This means that the shift to Democrats in 2026 was 10 points.
Who is Emily Gregory?
Emily Gregory is a Democrat born in South Florida who represents Florida House District 87. She was elected into office through a special election that took place in March 2026. Emily Gregory was born on May 11, 1985, in Palm Beach County, South Florida. Her advocacy work involves the interests of working-class families within the district that houses Mar-a-Lago.
She won against Republican Jon Maples, an associate of Trump. Gregory won the ruby-red seat from Mike Caruso, who stepped down for a clerk position at the county level.
When did Emily Gregory Start Her Political Career?
Emily Gregory entered politics in 2025 with her candidacy for District 87. Prior to that, she was involved in community organizing and volunteering in initiatives related to education and healthcare in the aftermath of the hurricanes in 2024. Her first campaign focused on family-related concerns, despite Republican Party control.
In a non-contested primary vote, Gregory defeated Maples in the general election on March 24, 2026.
Emily Gregory as Florida House Representative
House Representative in district 87, Emily Gregory’s main concerns involve affordable housing, public schools, and reproductive rights in Trump territory. Her involvement is in committees focusing on coastal erosion and small businesses support. Other members of parliament describe her as a bipartisan politician able to cross lines in Tallahassee.
Her legislative agenda involves teacher salary increases and flood protection legislation inspired by the recent Palm Beach flooding. The victory at the Mar-a-Lago resort is a sign that voters are increasingly concerned with local needs rather than national issues.
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Won by 10 points while 2024 Trump was ahead by +19 percentage points.
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Concentrates on health care access for 100,000+ people.
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Environmental legislation in times of rising oceans.
A young Florida politician exemplifies new politics as she rises from the local community to become a member of parliament.
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