Palm Beach County voters will face a gap in representation at the state level due to a delayed special election announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The decision leaves 114,281 registered voters in District 87 without a voice in the upcoming 2026 legislative session.
The special general election is scheduled for March 24, a mere 11 days after the Legislature’s planned adjournment on March 13. This timeline was outlined in an executive order filed by DeSantis. Additionally, the special primary for the same district is set for January 13.
The decision came 17 days following a lawsuit aimed at prompting DeSantis to set election dates. While the governor’s office has not commented on the timing, similar lawsuits in the past have spurred quick action from DeSantis to avoid court orders. This was evident with the recent Palm Beach County special election announcement.
The lawsuit was initiated by a district resident, Paula Mcclease, with Matthew A. Goldberger, campaign treasurer for Democratic candidate Emily Gregory, signing the filing. Gregory expressed disappointment, stating, “We were hopeful the election would be before the next legislative session. We’re disappointed that there won’t be representation for our district.”
The absence of a representative may not significantly impact the legislative balance, given the Republican majority in the Florida House. However, it leaves the district without an advocate for local funding projects.
The vacancy arose after DeSantis appointed former state Rep. Mike Caruso to a county court clerk position, prompting his resignation from the District 87 seat. Although DeSantis can fill some vacancies, he lacks the authority to appoint replacements for legislative roles but is responsible for setting election dates.
In contrast, DeSantis promptly scheduled elections following Blaise Ingoglia’s resignation from the Florida Senate. The swift action contrasts with the delayed response in District 87, which Gregory described as “peculiar.” Nonetheless, she remains focused on campaigning for the upcoming election.
Several candidates have entered the race, including Democrat Laura Ann Levites and Republicans Jon Maples and Gretchen L. Miller Feng. Republican Tracy Caruso, initially considered a candidate, announced she would not pursue the seat.
Palm Beach County’s election calendar is packed, with another special election on December 9 due to the death of state Rep. Joe Casello, alongside local elections on March 10.
Key Dates
The state Division of Elections has released a calendar detailing the election schedule.
Primary: Voter registration deadline: Dec. 15; Vote-by-mail request deadline: Jan. 1; Early voting: Jan. 3-10; Primary day: Jan. 13.
General Election: Voter registration deadline: Feb. 23; Vote-by-mail request deadline: March 12; Early voting: March 14-21; Election Day: March 24.
