TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Now that candidate qualifying is over, state records show three people will appear on the ballot for the Florida Senate District 11 Special Election. The seat opened following the appointment of Blaise Ingoglia, who is now the Florida Chief Financial Officer.

One of the hopefuls looking to replace him is retired Civil Engineer Ash Marwah, who lives in the Villages.

“The current policies are not making life better for the average Floridian,” Marwah said.

Marwah is running to represent voters in Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, and part of Pasco Counties. One item on his platform involves cost of living.

“Housing costs is a big issue. Young families are not able to afford to buy a house,” Marwah said.

Former State Rep. Ralph Massullo, who is also a dermatologist, has been the backing of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Massullo hopes to build off his work during his time in office from 2016 to 2024, when he was termed out.

“I’d like to see more and more people be employed, gainfully employed,” Massullo said.

He also wants to continue to focus on environmental issues.

 “I think the people of our state need to realize, that our government, our state government has prioritized our environment,” Massullo said.

the other Republican in the race is businessman Anthony Brice, who has not responded to our multiple requests for an interview.

The Primary Special Election is set for September 30^th and the general Special Election is set for December 9^th .

“Go out and vote. It’s important that people vote in these special elections,” Massullo said.

Even though the number of Republicans is overwhelmingly greater than the number of Democrats in District 11, Marwah says there is still hope for him.

“I absolutely have a chance to win this election,” Marwah said.