Voters head to polls Tuesday in State Senate District 11 Special Election

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Voters are heading to the polls today to decide the Florida Senate District 11 Special Election.

Republican Ralph Massullo Jr. is running against Democrat Ash Marwah for the seat, which became vacant when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Blaise Ingoglia to replace Jimmy Patronis as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. Patronis vacated that office after his election to Congress.

Special Election Day is Tuesday, Dec. 9 and voting is open to residents in the district, which covers Hernando, Sumter, Citrus and a small section of northwest Pasco County.

Massullo is a Lecanto physician who served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016. DeSantis has expressed his support for Massullo.

Marwah is a Democrat from The Villages and is originally from India.

He is an engineer by trade, and his background includes being an entrepreneur in the Pittsburgh area.

Marwah and his wife retired to The Villages in 2016. Since moving to the area, he has been affiliated with the Democratic Party of Sumter County, Tutors for Kids, and The Villages Democratic Club.

Republican Ralph Massullo Jr. (right) is running against Democrat Ash Marwah for the State Senate District 11 seat. (FILE IMAGES)

He previously ran for the Florida House of Representatives District 52 seat in 2024, where he lost to incumbent John Temple, a Republican.

In a recent appearance before the League of Women’s Voters, where he took questions along with Massullo, Marwah reiterated his stances in favor of affordable housing, addressing healthcare and increased funding for education.

Massullo, meanwhile, has stressed during this campaign that his experience makes him right for the seat. He has highlighted his work toward protecting families, strengthening Florida’s economy and keeping children safe.