Mar-a-Lago & Tampa Deliver Latest Earthquakes in Special Election Upsets

Democrats have now flipped 30 seats since Trump’s election, while Republicans have still flipped zero

WASHINGTON — State legislative Democrats just defied the odds in Trump’s backyard tonight with the latest round of special elections in Mar-a-Lago and Tampa. Florida Democrats Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan delivered decisive victories in deep Trump territory – Trump won these districts in 2024 by 11 points and 7.5 points, respectively. These victories chip away at the GOP supermajorities in both chambers, building momentum for November as the DLCC prepares to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers in Florida.

Democrats have now flipped 30 seats across the country since Trump was elected, while Republicans have not flipped a single one. Just this month, Democrats have flipped seats with upset wins in Arkansas and New Hampshire. Momentum is undeniable as the DLCC prepares for a target map that will deliver the biggest gains in two decades this November.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“Mar-a-Lago and Tampa just flipped red to blue, which should have Republicans sweating the midterms. A Trump +11 district in his own backyard shouldn’t be in play for Democrats, but tonight proves Republicans are vulnerable everywhere. State Democrats have now flipped a staggering 30 districts red to blue since Trump’s election. Gas prices are spiking, grocery costs are up, and families can’t get by – it’s clear voters at the polls are fed up with Republicans.

“If Mar-a-Lago and Tampa are vulnerable, imagine what’s possible this November. Democrats are clearly on offense as we prepare for the most expansive midterm strategy ever down-ballot, with 650 seats in play. 2026 is shaping up to be an election for the history books.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states. 

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