Democrats just pulled off a major political upset in Florida, right in the backyard of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
In the coastal city of Boca Raton, voters elected Democrat Andy Thomson as mayor this week, ending more than three decades of Republican control in the city. The victory came after an almost unbelievable finish: the race was so close it had to be counted again and again before officials finally confirmed the margin.
Thomson won by a razor-thin margin of just five votes, but the significance of the win is enormous.
Thomson received 7,572 votes, narrowly edging Republican candidates Mike Liebelson, who finished with 7,567, and Fran Nachlas, who received 3,967. Early tallies initially suggested the race had been decided by only a single vote, triggering two recounts before the final margin was confirmed.
For Democrats, the result was a major win—especially given the location. Boca Raton sits only about 30 minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, making the outcome particularly awkward for Republicans who have long treated the region as friendly territory.
“This victory reiterates an undeniable trend in Florida: Democrats can run and win anywhere—including Donald Trump’s backyard,” said Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Mayor-elect Andy Thomson on this monumental victory,” Fried added. “Winning by a margin of just five votes, this race is proof that organizing everywhere and talking to every voter will make all the difference in 2026.”
The election wasn’t just about party labels. One of the biggest issues driving voters was a controversial redevelopment proposal tied to wealthy developers and a massive downtown project. The proposed development plan—championed by the Terra and Frisbie Group —sparked a fierce grassroots backlash through the Save Boca campaign.
Voters ultimately rejected the measure in a landslide, defeating it by three to one.
Thomson leaned heavily into that debate during the campaign, focusing on local concerns like housing affordability, protecting public land, and pushing back against large-scale redevelopment projects that critics feared would reshape the city.
His win now makes him the first Democrat to lead Boca Raton in more than 30 years.
The Florida upset also comes amid a broader streak of Democratic wins in traditionally Republican areas since Trump returned to the White House in 2024.
Just days earlier, Democrat Bobbi Boudman flipped a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, defeating Republican Dale Fincher in a district that Trump had carried. According to election trackers, that race marked the 28th Republican-held seat Democrats have flipped since the 2024 election.
Democrats are eager to frame these results as early warning signs for Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterms.
“Floridians are tired of the chaos, corruption, and sky-high prices on everything from groceries to gas and healthcare,” Fried said. “They are voting for trusted leaders like Andy to steady the ship and return commonsense, people-centered solutions back to our communities.”
Thomson’s victory stands as a stark reminder of just how much a handful of votes can change the political map. Literally.
Democratic Florida Senate candidate Jennifer Jenkins summed it up in a message on social media after the race was called.
“This is a reminder EVERY vote matters. Your vote is your voice. USE IT!”
Thomson will replace outgoing mayor Scott Singer when he takes office on March 31.
