Another SD 11 Sheriff backs Ralph Massullo in Special Election

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'I know Ralph will continue that public safety focused leadership in the Florida Senate.'

Add Al Nienhuis’ name to the list of Sheriffs backing Ralph Massullo for Senate District 11.

Nienhuis, the Hernando County Sheriff, joins Sheriffs Chris Nocco from Pasco County and Dave Vincent from Citrus County in supporting Massullo.

Nienhuis referenced Massullo’s representation of northern Hernando County as part of Massullo’s old House District 23 seat. Massullo served eight years in the House before term limits forced him from office in 2024.

“I always appreciated Ralph Massullo’s hard work representing Hernando County in the Florida House,” Nienhuis said. “Ralph always demonstrated his commitment to our law enforcement community and the rule of law time and again during his service in Tallahassee. I know Ralph will continue that public safety focused leadership in the Florida Senate and I’m proud to endorse him.”

Massullo, a Lecanto dermatologist, faces Inverness rancher Anthony Brice in the Sept. 30 Republican Primary. The Primary winner takes on Democrat Ash Marwah, a civil engineer from The Villages, in the Dec. 9 Special Election.

The SD 11 election Special Election will fill the void created when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Blaise Ingoglia as Chief Financial Officer. Both DeSantis and Ingoglia are supporting Massullo.

Massullo said he appreciated Nienhuis’ endorsement.

“Sheriff Nienhuis’ dedication to protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law is second to none,” he said. “I will proudly stand with law enforcement and work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep Florida safe. I’m thankful for his support and I look forward to working with him during my service in Tallahassee.”

Massullo has picked up numerous endorsements, including from U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Randy Fine, Mike Haridopolos and Daniel Webster, state Reps. JJ Grow, Jeff Holcomb and John Temple, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the Sheriffs of Citrus and Pasco counties, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Florida.

Mike Wright

Mike Wright is a former reporter with the Citrus County Chronicle, where he had covered county government and politics since 1987. Mike's skills as an investigative reporter earned him first-place awards in investigative writing. Mike also helped the Chronicle win the Frances Devore Award for Public Service in 2002.


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