Jacob Ogles
Former Rep. Ralph Massullo will run for Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s now-vacated Senate seat.
Massullo, a Lecanto Republican, announced he will run in Senate District 11 in an upcoming Special Election following Ingoglia’s appointment as CFO.
“Florida’s success is the result of Florida First leaders who championed common sense, individual liberty, and conservative values. During my time in the state legislature, I was proud to be a part of the movement that transformed Florida into the beacon of freedom and prosperity that it is today,” Massullo said.
“The mission to protect Florida’s progress requires leaders who understand what it takes to pushback against the radical left and stand up for our conservative principles. I am ready to meet this mission head on and bring strong, results-oriented leadership to the Florida Senate. The constituents of District 11 and our great State deserve a Senator who will serve them with empathy, authenticity, wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. I will strive daily, with God’s help, to be that servant leader who always puts Florida first. I look forward to the campaign ahead and sharing Florida’s success story with every voter in District 11.”
Notably, Massullo ran for the seat in 2022 against Ingoglia when the Senate seat was open, but dropped out after Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Ingoglia. At the time, Massullo had lined up support for his bid from leaders in the House and Senate. But the Governor, running for re-election at the time, was at the peak of his political influence and quickly reset the race.
Instead, Massullo ran for re-election to a fourth and final term in the House. He could not seek re-election in 2024 because of term limits.
This time, DeSantis is endorsing Massullo.
“Succeeding Blaise Ingoglia in the Senate will be a tough act to follow, but if anyone can do it, Ralph Massullo can,” DeSantis posted on X. “Ralph has my support to be the next senator from Senate District 11.”
Massullo welcomed that backing.
“Incredibly honored to have the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis,” Massullo responded, “It’s been an honor to work alongside the Governor and Blaise Ingoglia to deliver conservative victories that have helped make Florida the greatest state in the country. Thank you Governor for your trust and support.”
Senate Republicans will also support Massullo.
“Dr. Ralph Massullo has been a leader in his community for more than 25 years. As a businessman and a physician, he understands first hand what it takes to create jobs and solve problems,” said Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Erin Isaac. “The FRSCC is proud to back Dr. Ralph Massullo in Florida Senate District 11, because hard working families deserve a champion ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ingoglia won the Senate seat in 2022, then won a four-year term in 2024. He could have sought another term in 2028 and served a decade in the body. But DeSantis on Wednesday appointed the Spring Hill Republican as Chief Financial Officer, a statewide post that opened up after former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis resigned to run for Congress.
In order to serve in the Cabinet post, Ingoglia must resign his seat in the Senate, requiring a Special Election. DeSantis has not scheduled that election yet.
Anthony Vincent Brice, an Inverness Republican, already filed in SD 11 in June to run in 2028, but has raised no money.
No other candidate besides Ingoglia had filed for the contest.
A Special Election will decide who fills Ingoglia’s seat until the 2026 Midterms, when another election will determine who serves the remaining two years of Ingoglia’s term.
Massullo in his final House term served as Chair of the House Education & Employment Committee.
