The Florida Republican Campaign Committee (FHRCC) announced it is endorsing Republican Jon Maples in his attempt to retake Florida's House District 87 seat in November.
"Jon Maples is a fighter for Palm Beach County," Chairman and Speaker Designate Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island) said. "His support for a strong economy, safe streets, and quality schools is the exact kind of common-sense, conservative leadership we need in the Florida House. The FHRCC is proud to support Jon's campaign all the way through victory in November."
The Floridian has learned that Maples will be running to take back the House seat in November.
Maples, a career financial planner, lost the vacant seat in a special election to Democrat Emily Gregory by 800 votes (51.2% to 48.8%) in a stunning upset last week. Maples had been endorsed by President Donald Trump, Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-Palm Beach Gardens) and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in the race.
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power also announced his support for Maples in a statement.
“Jon Maples is a proud Floridian who speaks to voters and understands what is best for Palm Beach," Power said. "An American Dream success story, he knows what it takes to make Palm Beach work for all families. I agree with Florida House Speaker-Designate Sam Garrison that Jon is a great candidate for HD 87 as he is passionate about serving the community and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. His commonsense, business-minded approach to state government is what Palm Beach is looking for and what we need in Tallahassee.”
HD 87, in coastal Palm Beach County, is the home of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
With the victory, Gregory flipped a seat Republicans won by 19 points in 2022. President Trump also won the district by 11 points over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, sending arguable shockwaves through Republican ranks and leaving Florida Democrats overjoyed that Trump will now be represented by a Democrat in office.
“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," Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said following Gregory's victory.
But will Gregory's win be short-lived?
Republicans certainly hope so. The GOP's loss was coupled with a shocking upset in Florida's Senate District 14 the same night, which was also previously held by a Republican. In addition, Democrats have gained confidence after victories in Miami and Boca Raton's mayoral races in recent months.
Will round two be different for Republicans? Or will Democrats retain once again in Trump's backyard?
The HD 87 general election is Nov. 3.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the Florida GOP.
