SPECIAL ELECTION: Maples and Gregory Set for March 24 Showdown in HD 87

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — The race to fill the vacancy left by Mike Caruso in Florida House District 87 has officially entered its final sprint. Following dominant wins in the January special primaries, Republican Jon Maples and Democrat Emily Gregory are now vying to represent a coastal district that has been without a voice in Tallahassee since August. District 87, which spans from Jupiter and Juno Beach south to Hypoluxo, became vacant when Caruso resigned to accept an appointment as the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller. The ensuing delay in calling a special election left the district unrepresented during the start of the 2026 Legislative Session—a point that both candidates have addressed on the trail. The Republican Frontrunner: Jon Maples Jon Maples, a financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores Town Council member, enters the general election with significant momentum and a massive "war chest." The Strategy: Maples has successfully consolidated the GOP establishment, securing high-profile endorsements from President Donald Trump, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee. The Platform: Running as a "principled conservative," Maples’ campaign is built on a platform of fiscal restraint, opposition to tax increases, and maintaining a pro-business climate in Florida. The Funding: As of early 2026, Maples has raised over $278,000, giving him a distinct financial advantage in advertising and ground operations for the final push. The Democratic Challenger: Emily Gregory Emily Gregory, a Jupiter-based small business owner and public health professional, has emerged as a formidable opponent, winning her primary with a staggering 88% of the vote. The Strategy: Gregory gained early attention by filing a lawsuit against the state to compel the Governor to set the special election dates, arguing that HD 87 voters were being denied their constitutional right to representation. The Platform: Her campaign is focused on "kitchen table" issues specifically impacting coastal residents: property insurance costs, public education funding, and healthcare access. The Local Connection: As a Jupiter resident, Gregory is leaning heavily into her hyperlocal roots to peel away moderate voters in a district that, while leaning Republican, has shown a streak of independence in recent cycles. What’s at Stake? With the regular 2026 Legislative Session already in motion, the winner of the March 24 Special General Election will be sworn in immediately to represent Jupiter and its neighboring coastal towns. For Maples, a win would reinforce the Republican supermajority’s "America First" agenda. For Gregory, an upset would signal a shift in how coastal Palm Beach County views the state’s handling of the insurance crisis and local representation. Voters in District 87 are encouraged to check their registration and local polling sites ahead of the March 24th ballot.