The Florida Democratic Party congratulated Representative-Elect Emily Gregory and Senator-Elect Brian Nathan on their upset wins in House District 87 and Senate District 14 on Tuesday night.
Gregory, a small business owner and Army spouse, defeated Republican Jon Mapes in a district Republicans carried by 19 points in 2022.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Representative-Elect Emily Gregory on this monumental victory. A nearly 11-point swing to the left in this hard-fought race shows the impact of Democrats’ long-term investment in Florida, and now the people of HD 87 will have a champion in Tallahassee,” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said in a statement.
HD 87 is home to President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach County. Trump won the district by 11 points over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
“This victory reiterates an undeniable trend in Florida: with year-round organizing and infrastructure investment, Democrats can run and win anywhere–including Donald Trump’s backyard," Fried added.
Nathan, a union leader and Navy Veteran, defeated Republican Josie Tomkow in a district Republicans carried by over nine points in 2022. SD 14 is located in Hillsborough County.
"I am thrilled to congratulate Senator-Elect Brian Nathan on this shocking victory," Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried commented. "Brian is the kind of person we need in the legislature. His history of service as a Navy Veteran and union leader ensures that the needs of everyday people will be at the heart of every vote he takes in Tallahassee."
President Donald Trump won SD 87 in Hillsborough County. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins previously held the seat before being appointed lieutenant governor by Gov. Ron DeSantis in August 2025.
"Flipping this seat proves that Floridians are tired of the chaos, corruption, and sky-high prices on everything from groceries, to gas, and healthcare. They want solutions and are demanding change after 30 years of single party rule in the State," Fried added.
I was out on the first day of early election and voted at a designated poll to vote. I made it count this time and am very pleased with the results. Way to go Brian Nathan. I was a Republican since Ronald Reagan and flipped after Trump’s first 2016 run. He was not trusted then and never trusted thereafter. I am part of the DNC and pushed to get the news out to get out and vote. Your life depends on it this time. I got around to as many as I could on my mobility scooter and in the transit system to tell everyone why they should unseat the opposition. I actually have kin that ties me to President Abraham Lincoln in my family tree. I do believe in voting for the best man for the job too. US ARMY VETERAN