(Adnkronos) – Democrats score an important victory in Florida, winning the state House seat in Palm Beach, which includes Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s residence. Emily Gregory, a gym owner in her first political experience, narrowly defeated Jon Maples, the Republican who calls himself an ‘America First patriot’ supported by Trump and aligned with the policies of the district’s illustrious resident, in the race for the seat left vacant by Mike Caruso, who had easily won in 2024 with a 19-point lead.
“Tonight’s results send a clear message that people in Florida want to move in another direction, one where leaders are focused on bringing down prices and defending working families,” Gregory said, commenting to the Washington Post on her victory, which does not change the balance of power in the supermajority of the state’s Legislative Assembly, now a GOP stronghold, but has strong political value, even at a national level, ahead of next November’s midterm elections.
As has happened with other victories scored by Democrats since the beginning of Trump’s second term in the White House, Gregory’s campaign focused on the cost of living and education, preferring to remain focused on local issues rather than venturing into national politics, despite the clash being in the president’s electoral district.
However, Democrats immediately wanted to put a spin on her victory: “Donald Trump’s own neighbors have sent a very clear message: they are furious and ready for change,” declared Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
“Mar-a-Lago just went from red to blue, which should greatly worry Republicans for the midterms,” declared Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the group that supported Gregory. “If Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, imagine what will be possible in November,” she added.
