Emily Gregory

Emily Gregory is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 87th district. Born on May 11, 1985, Gregory has established herself in the political landscape of Florida, particularly through her election victory in a special election held in 2026. Her district is notable for being home to Mar-a-Lago, the residence of former President Donald Trump, and has demonstrated strong Republican support in recent elections. Gregory's legislative focus includes addressing the cost-of-living crisis and family-related issues, reflecting her commitment to the needs of her constituents.

Early life and career

Emily Gregory was born in 1985 and has a background in health and exercise science, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest University. Following her undergraduate education, she pursued further studies at Columbia University, where she obtained a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health policy and management. This educational foundation has informed her approach to public service, particularly in areas related to health and community well-being.

Before entering politics, Gregory was an entrepreneur, having owned and operated a small business that focused on creating a fitness community for pregnant and postpartum women. This venture not only highlights her commitment to health and wellness but also her understanding of the challenges faced by families, particularly new mothers. Her experiences in both education and business have equipped her with a diverse skill set that she brings to her role in the Florida House of Representatives.

Legislative service

Gregory's political career began with her candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives, where she sought to fill a vacancy in the 87th district. This seat became available after Republican Mike Caruso resigned to take on the role of Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller. In a competitive special election held in 2026, Gregory faced Republican candidate Jon Maples, who had received endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Despite the district's historical support for Republican candidates, Gregory won the election by a narrow margin of 2.4 points, marking her first foray into political office.

Her campaign was characterized by a focus on pressing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and family dynamics, which resonated with voters in her district. Gregory was sworn into office on April 7, 2026, at a ceremony held at the Palm Beach Gardens City Hall. Her election was significant not only for her personal political journey but also for the representation of a district that had leaned Republican in previous elections, including a notable 19-point victory for Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

In addition to her electoral victory, Gregory's tenure has included legal action against the state government. In October 2025, she, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed a lawsuit against Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit alleged that the governor had violated Florida law by failing to call a special election promptly after the vacancy created by Caruso's resignation. This legal challenge highlighted the importance of timely representation for constituents, as the 87th district went without representation for over seven months, including during the regular legislative session of 2026.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Gregory has prioritized issues that directly impact the lives of her constituents. Her campaign and subsequent legislative agenda have emphasized the cost-of-living crisis, which has become a pressing concern for many families in Florida. This focus reflects a broader trend among lawmakers to address economic challenges that affect everyday citizens, particularly in a state that has seen significant fluctuations in housing and living costs.

Gregory's district, the 87th, is notable for its demographic and political landscape. It includes Mar-a-Lago, the residence of former President Donald Trump, and has historically leaned Republican. In the 2024 presidential election, the district voted for Trump by a margin of 11 points, underscoring the challenges Gregory faces as a Democratic representative in a predominantly Republican area. Her election victory indicates a potential shift in voter sentiment and highlights her ability to connect with constituents on issues that matter to them.

In addition to economic concerns, Gregory's background in public health informs her legislative priorities. Her education and professional experience in health policy and management may lead her to advocate for policies that promote public health initiatives, access to healthcare, and support for families, particularly those with young children. Her previous work in the fitness community for pregnant and postpartum women suggests a commitment to maternal and child health, which may influence her legislative efforts in these areas.

Overall, Emily Gregory's journey from entrepreneur to state legislator illustrates her dedication to public service and her responsiveness to the needs of her constituents. As she continues her legislative career, her focus on cost-of-living issues and family-related policies will likely shape her contributions to the Florida House of Representatives and the broader political discourse in the state.