President Donald Trump could take a political hit if Democrats flip a Republican House seat in his own backyard next week.
The special election in Florida District 87, which is home to Mar-a-Lago, could prove that Democrats can end the Florida GOP supermajority in the midterms this fall — returning the Sunshine State's "swing status," Politico reported. The potential victory for Democrats on March 24 would also follow a series of recent nationwide wins.
The long-anticipated race has Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate and small business owner who has focused on public health and mental health, facing off against Republican Jon Maples, a financial planner and former member of the Town Council in Lake Clarke Shores. The district includes the coastline along northern Palm Beach County.
The message for Trump is meant to be personal.
"Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said the state party was backing Gregory 'with everything we’ve got' and made the race a top priority by sending staff and volunteers to knock on doors, make calls and send texts to ensure voters 'flip the president’s home district,'" according to Politico.
Trump has endorsed Maples, but Democrats have zeroed in on support for Gregory, who sued to force Gov. Ron DeSantis to call the special election after delays.
The special election win could signal a significant moment for Democrats heading into November.
"In the district hosting Trump’s home and private club, the symbolism of a Democratic win could be overshadowed by a broader signal that Democrats have a chance to expand their midterm opportunities — across Florida’s gubernatorial and Senate races as well as nationwide," Politico reported.


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