HD 87 Voters to Fill Long-Vacant Seat as Emily Gregory, Jon Maples Face Off in Special Election Voters in Florida’s House District 87 will cast ballots Tuesday to select a replacement for the legislative seat that has remained vacant since August, when Republican state Rep. Mike Caruso resigned to become the county’s Clerk and Comptroller. The district, which spans coastal areas including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Juno Beach, and Hypoluxo, has been without representation for seven months. The extended vacancy became a central issue in the race, as the delay in scheduling the special election prompted Democrat Emily Gregory to file a lawsuit arguing voters were denied a voice during the 2026 Legislative Session. Though the lawsuit became moot after Gov. Ron DeSantis called the election in late October, the absence of representation during key legislative debates highlighted the urgency of the contest. The race pits Democrat Emily Gregory, a 40-year-old first-time candidate and owner of a Jupiter-based fitness center for pregnant and postpartum women, against Republican Jon Maples, a 43-year-old financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores Council member. Both candidates advanced to the general election after dominant primary wins in January, each securing over 80% of the vote in their respective contests. Maples, who has ties to the Republican Party and received endorsements from President Donald Trump, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and several state lawmakers, has positioned himself as a proponent of tax cuts, reduced government spending, and school choice policies. His campaign has raised over $440,000 in contributions, with significant support from the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee and substantial spending on digital and TV advertising.#ron_desantis #emily_gregory #jon_maples #florida_house_district_87 #mike_caruso
