Erickson, Newton, Nelson-Lastra, Warren win Council seats
With 26 out of 26 Cape Coral precincts reporting, Rick Erickson, Dave Newton, incumbent Jennifer Nelson-Lastra and Annette Warren have won the four Cape Coral City Council seats up for grabs.
In the race for mayor, Erickson defeated Lisa Cohen-Adkinson.
Erickson received a total of 39,218 votes, or 51.88%. Cohen-Adkinson had 36,378, or 48.12% of the votes.
Incumbent John Gunter lost in the primary, receiving only 15% of the vote, placing him third out of the six candidates vying for the seat.
During his last city council meeting Monday night, Gunter said it was a privilege and honor serving the city for the last nine years. He said one of the things he always tried to do was make the city of Cape Coral better.
“No matter who sits in the chairs, the best interest is for the residents and the betterment of the community,” Gunter said. “I enjoyed working with staff. They were always helpful once you learned how to specifically ask the questions. They were always there to help us. I want to thank staff and the new council coming in. I want to wish them well and I hope that the citizens of Cape Coral get what they are looking for. I wish them all the luck.”
DISTRICT 1
Newton received 37,190 votes or 53.16%, defeating Tom Shadrach who had 32,771 votes or 46.84%.
Councilmember Bill Steinke did not seek re-election.
DISTRICT 4
Nelson-Lastra received 38,284 votes, or 54.59%, defeating James Vargas who had 31,843 votes or 45.41%
DISTRICT 6
Warren received 34,988 votes, or 50.35%, defeating Liza King who had 34,501 votes, or 49.65%.
Keith Long did not seek re-election.
Elections results are not final until certified.