Loss of Mar-a-Lago seat is canary in coal mine for Republicans

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Emily Gregory, a Democrat, has won the Florida state seat that includes Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. The Republicans took the district by 19 points in 2024. It is one of several state seats the Democrats have flipped in the past year as the economy suffers under Trump’s erratic trade policies. The Iran war only promises more pain. As it stands, the Republicans look like they will lose their House majority in the November midterms and struggle to hold onto the Senate. Widespread disruption at US airports doesn’t help. There have been lengthy delays and security queues before spring break, one of the busiest times of the year. These have been caused by a partial government shutdown, which means transport workers are not getting paid.