INVERNESS, Fla. (WFLA) — Former State Rep. Ralph Massullo has entered the race to fill the now-vacant state senate seat after Blaise Ingoglia was appointed Chief Monetary Officer. District 11 covers Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties.
This isn’t the primary time Massullo has had his eye on the senate seat. Again in 2022, he ended his bid following Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsing Ingoglia. Now that the seat is open once more, Massullo has thrown his hat within the ring.
“We’re emphasizing workforce and profession improvement. We’re incorporating AI into plenty of our providers that the state is suing, in addition to making an attempt to include that into workforce in addition to schooling and in addition making an attempt to enhance well being care,” Massullo stated.
Massullo additionally stated he desires to concentrate on bettering the atmosphere together with agriculture.
Massullo, who’s a dermatologist, has assist from Florida Legal professional Basic James Uthmeier by way of a submit on X and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, with an official endorsement.
“I am extraordinarily blissful. I am a small enterprise proprietor myself. I’ve labored with the chamber for a few years,” Massullo stated.
This week, Gov. DeSantis issued an government order calling for a Particular Main Election on Sept. 30. To date, no democrats have entered the race. But when that occurs, either side will face off on Dec. 9. Candidate qualifying is Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. After that, voters formally know who will seem on the poll for the Particular Main Election.
“I ask your whole viewers to analyze the assorted candidates which can be operating, significantly those that operating in my district, and exit and vote,” Massullo stated.
Massullo served within the Florida Legislature from 2016 to 2024, when he couldn’t run once more to stay within the state Home due to time period limits.
The marketing campaign for Republican Anthony Brice confirmed he’ll enter the race for the Particular Election. He already had plans to run for the seat in 2028. Nevertheless, with the emptiness, he’ll ramp up marketing campaign efforts now forward of September.
