House Republicans back Jon Maples in HD 87 Special Election

The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee (FHRCC) is endorsing Jon Maples in the Special Election for House District 87.

Maples is running to replace former Rep. Mike Caruso, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed in August to serve as Palm Beach County Clerk, setting up a Special Election.

Maples entered the race in April, before Caruso left the Legislature, expecting to run in the 2026 cycle.

Rep. Sam Garrison, who chairs the FHRCC, called Maples “an America First patriot and a principled conservative leader who will champion Republican values of low taxes, responsible spending, and opportunity for all.”

“I look forward to supporting his candidacy, and our committee will be actively engaged in ensuring his success in both the primary and general elections,” Garrison said in a statement announcing the endorsement.

Maples so far faces one other Republican in the Special Primary, which will be held Jan. 13: real estate agent Gretchen Miller Feng. The winner will face one of two Democrats — small-business owner Emily Gregory or comedian Laura Levites — in the Special General Election on March 24. Tracy Caruso, Mike Caruso’s wife, dropped out of the race last month.

The endorsement is a big get in the conservative district, where Republicans account for more than 39% of the electorate, compared to less than 29% who are Democrats, according to the most recent L2 voter data.

It adds to nods Maples has already secured from Reps. Anne Gerwig, Griff Griffitts, John Snyder and Meg Weinberger, as well as Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter, Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner Mimi May and former Rep. MaryLynn Magar.

Maples, 43, was born and raised in Panama City and relocated to Palm Beach County after earning a basketball scholarship at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He and his wife have lived there since.

Maples has held the Group 2 seat on the Lake Clarke Shores Council since 2023. His other leadership roles have included Chair of the town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, Board President of the Families First of Palm Beach County and Board member of Leadership Palm Beach County and fellowship Christian Athletes.

In 2020, he unsuccessfully challenged then-Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner for the District 3 seat on the County Commission.

HD 87 covers a coastal portion of Palm Beach County. It includes portions of Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter, along with coastal communities from Juno Beach to Hypoluxo.

The FHRCC is the Florida House campaign arm, which works to maintain and grow the conservative majority.

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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.