INVERNESS, Fla. (WFLA) — Ralph Massullo, who previously served as a State Representative, has announced his candidacy for the now-open state senate seat. This development follows the appointment of Blaise Ingoglia as Chief Financial Officer. The District 11 area includes the counties of Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter.

Massullo had previously contemplated pursuing this senate position in 2022. However, his campaign came to an end after Governor Ron DeSantis extended his support to Ingoglia. With the seat now available once more, Massullo has decided to renew his efforts.

“Our focus is on enhancing workforce and career opportunities. We’re implementing AI across various state services and seeking to integrate it into workforce training, education, and healthcare improvements,” Massullo explained.

Massullo also said he wants to focus on improving the environment along with agriculture.

Massullo, who’s a dermatologist, has support from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier through a post on X and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, with an official endorsement.

“I’m extremely happy. I’m a small business owner myself. I’ve worked with the chamber for many years,” Massullo said.  

This week, Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order calling for a Special Primary Election on Sept. 30. So far, no democrats have entered the race. But if that happens, both sides will face off on Dec. 9. Candidate qualifying is Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. After that, voters officially know who will appear on the ballot for the Special Primary Election.

“I ask all of your viewers to investigate the various candidates that are running, particularly the ones that running in my district, and go out and vote,” Massullo said.

Massullo served in the Florida Legislature from 2016 to 2024, when he couldn’t run again to remain in the state House because of term limits.

The campaign for Republican Anthony Brice confirmed he will enter the race for the Special Election. He already had plans to run for the seat in 2028. However, with the vacancy, he will ramp up campaign efforts now ahead of September.