Mike Wright
JJ Grow’s quest for the House took shape two years ago and culminated Tuesday night with a resounding win.
Grow, an Inverness Republican, easily defeated Democrat Judith Vowels to win election in House District 23, representing Citrus County and the Dunnellon area of Marion County.
“I love that you have picked me to represent you in the Florida capital!” Grow told enthusiastic supporters Tuesday night.
Grow won with 74% of the vote.
Grow had widespread community support during an election year when the House race barely registered a blip on the Citrus County political scene.
Outgoing Rep. Ralph Massullo, who faced his eight-year term limit, supported Grow. Same with other Citrus County elected leaders.
Grow has quietly eyed HD 23 for two years.
An agribusiness owner, Grow announced a run in 2022 on the belief that Massullo was going for Senate District 11. Massullo instead opted for a fourth and final term in the House after Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Massullo’s Senate opponent, and eventual winner, Blaise Ingoglia.
Massullo’s reentry forced Grow out, but he immediately turned his attention to 2024, when the seat would be open.
Grow’s fundraising report is sprinkled with $1,000 political committee donations. He raised $205,943 and loaned the campaign $100,000.
Citrus County’s contributors included Citrus County Commissioners Holly Davis and Jeff Kinnard; former Sen. Charlie Dean; Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek; retiring Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel; and auto dealer Steve Lamb.
And when Grow had his campaign kickoff at M&B Dairy in Lecanto, Ingoglia, Massullo and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson were on hand to offer a boost.
“We need individuals who can think on their feet. JJ Grow is one of those individuals,” Massullo said.
The House race was headed for a Republican Primary until, at the conclusion of qualifying week, candidate Tod Cloud learned he hadn’t qualified because his paperwork wasn’t notarized.
While Grow carried name recognition into the campaign, Vowels had a tougher climb getting out there.
An 18-year resident of Inverness, Vowels is a retired Department of Corrections supervisor. She anchored her platform on affordable housing.
