Biden Applauds Democrat's Surprise Victory in Trump's Florida District
Former President Joe Biden has expressed his delight that a Democrat will soon represent the area encompassing Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's Florida resort. The Daily Mail reports that Biden, 83, placed a congratulatory call on Wednesday to Emily Gregory, who secured a shock victory in Tuesday's special election for Florida's House District 87.
A Significant Political Upset
Gregory triumphed over Trump-backed Republican candidate Jon Maples in a district that has traditionally leaned heavily Republican. The previous seat holder, Republican state Representative Mike Caruso, won the legislative seat by a substantial 19-point margin in 2024. Furthermore, Donald Trump himself carried the district by approximately 10 points during that same election cycle.
With nearly all votes now counted, Gregory leads Maples by 2.4 percentage points, equivalent to 797 votes, according to Associated Press data. This outcome represents a remarkable political reversal in a region long considered a Republican stronghold.
Biden's Supportive Role
During his call to Gregory, Biden offered his congratulations and reportedly provided his personal phone number, encouraging the rising Democrat to consider him as a resource. This gesture aligns with Biden's evolving role as an elder statesman within the Democratic Party, offering guidance and support to emerging political figures.
Trump had thrown his considerable political weight behind Maples during the primary season, issuing a ringing endorsement in January. The former president's involvement made Gregory's victory particularly noteworthy, demonstrating that Trump's endorsement does not guarantee electoral success even in districts he previously carried.
Controversy Over Voting Method
The election generated additional controversy when it emerged that Trump himself voted by mail in this special election, despite his previous vehement criticism of mail-in ballots. The White House responded to this apparent contradiction on Tuesday, with spokesperson Olivia Wales telling the Daily Mail that Trump supports the SAVE America Act, which permits exceptions for "illness, disability, military, or travel."
"As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, D.C.," Wales explained. "This is a non-story."
Biden's Broader Outreach
Gregory is not the only Democratic victor to receive a congratulatory call from the former president. The Daily Mail has also learned that Biden contacted Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who recently won the state's Democratic Senate primary. Stratton prevailed in a competitive three-way race against two sitting members of Congress, bolstered by the backing and financial support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Given Illinois's reliably Democratic voting patterns, Stratton is widely expected to secure the Senate seat in November, succeeding retiring Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin.
Biden additionally reached out to Texas state Representative James Talarico, who emerged victorious in the Texas Democratic Senate primary earlier this month. Talarico defeated the better-known Representative Jasmine Crockett, who sought the Senate position after Republicans redrew her House district boundaries, making it significantly more Republican-leaning.
Talarico faces a considerably more challenging general election than Stratton, as Texas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988, presenting a formidable electoral hurdle for any Democratic candidate in the state.
Biden's Post-Presidential Activities
Beyond his political engagements, Biden has dedicated substantial time to writing his memoir, committing several hours daily to the project. The former president secured a book deal last summer valued at $10 million, a figure notably lower than the estimated $65 million paid to former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama for their respective memoirs.
While the book is anticipated for release later this year, no specific publication date has been announced. Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile since leaving office, occasionally spotted flying commercial airlines and traveling via Amtrak, transportation methods he frequently used during his decades representing Delaware in the U.S. Senate.
Last week, Biden made an unexpected trip to Boston to participate in St. Patrick's Day celebrations. According to sources familiar with his schedule, both he and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden have multiple joint events planned for April. Additionally, preparations for his presidential foundation and library are intensifying, with significant developments expected in the coming months.
Throughout these activities, the 83-year-old former president continues to manage a serious cancer diagnosis. However, insiders report encouraging signs that he is responding well to treatment and remains actively engaged in projects and causes that matter deeply to him.
