Victorious Cape council candidates thank the voters
Candidates 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%.
“I am incredibly happy and humbled that the voices of the people were heard loud and clear. I am truly honored to have earned the trust and votes of our residents, and I want to thank everyone who believed in me and supported this campaign,” Newton said. “I want our residents to know that I will work tirelessly to make things right, bring transparency to our local government, and ensure that every voice is heard. This is about more than an election; it is about the future of our city and the community we all call home.”
He said it is now time to come together, put differences aside, and work toward a better Cape Coral.
“When we come together as a community, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. I am honored to serve you. Let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and keep Cape Coral great,” Newton said.
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%
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the confidence Cape Coral residents have placed in me,” Nelson-Lastra said. “This victory is not about one person; it’s about the people who believe in our city, our future, and the importance of leadership that listens, shows up, and gets to work. I don’t take a single vote or the trust behind it for granted.”
She thanked her family, volunteers, supporters and every resident who believed in her.
“My heart is full, and I’m ready to keep serving the city we all love,” Nelson-Lastra said.
She said she also wanted to thank her opponent Vargas, for running a clean campaign with grace and class.
District 6
Warren received 34,988 votes, or 50.35%, defeating Liza King who had 34,501 votes, or 49.65%.
“We did it, Cape Coral! Thank you to everyone who believed in me, stood beside me, and helped make this happen. I love this city, and I’m so excited to get to work for the people who call it home. I’ll keep listening, showing up, and standing up for you. Now let’s get to work,” Warren said.
Keith Long did not seek re-election.
Elections results are not final until certified.