Massullo earns third term in Hernando’s state House District 34

Republican Ralph E. Massullo Jr. appeared to easily win his bid for a third term in the Florida Legislature, capturing roughly 75 percent of the vote against challenger Dushyant Gosai, according to unofficial results.

The two were running for the District 34 House seat, which includes Citrus and north-central Hernando County.

Massullo, 63, was first elected unopposed in 2016 and easily fended off a challenge in 2018. He owns a dermatology practice in Lecanto. He advocated for the construction of Suncoast Parkway 2 and supports its extension to U.S. 19 in Red Level. He also supports the rights of gun owners and opposes abortion rights. The past president of the Florida Society of Dermatology Surgery, Massullo was named Surgeon of the Year in 1998 and has authored numerous journal articles on medical techniques and technology.

Gosai, a 61-year-old accounting and business professor, was making his second foray into politics. In 2018, Gosai ran for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House District 3 but finished last in a three-way race. He has lived for 24 years in the Citrus County town of Hernando. Gosai campaigned on his background as a businessman and an educator, which he said gave him a unique insight into issues such as the economy, education, the environment, social justice and equality.

Massullo raised $89,500 compared to Gosai’s $5,105, campaign finance records show.

The two-year term pays $29,697 annually.

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