Incumbent Richard Leon and Jennifer I. Nelson (above) were the top two vote-getters in the District 4 Cape Coral City Council Primary Tuesday, meaning the two will advance to the General Election in November. Nelson received 42.81 percent of the vote to Leon's 35.98 in the three-way race.

Jennifer I. Nelson and incumbent Richard Leon were the top two vote-getters in the District 4 Cape Coral City Council Primary Tuesday, meaning the two will advance to the General Election in November.

Nelson received 42.81 percent of the vote to Leon’s 35.98 while Jeffrey Allan Jones was a distant third with 21.21 percent.

Nelson, a native Texan who came to Southwest Florida from California in 2009, said she believes her outside experience serves as a plus.

“I’m so excited, I’m so honored, I’m so blessed. I’m looking forward to being able to serve the community and work to continue to move the city forward,” Nelson said after the results came in. “People here may be ready for a change in the seat and for someone with work and educational experience to move the Cape forward.”

Leon said he wasn’t concerned about the Primary results.

“I’m not worried. Incumbents usually finish second in primaries because there are so many candidates in the field. I’m excited about the community. We’re going to work together and continue to do the business of the people,” Leon said.

Nelson said her years in leadership with Goodwill gives her the edge over Leon.

“I don’t know if I’m necessarily better, but I’m a different candidate. I’ve been in servant leadership for 24 years. You lead people, manage their money, assist them with services. My experience level is better suited for the seat and our city,” Nelson said. “I have the experience to move things forward and help people and getting their goals accomplished.”

Leon said being a lifelong Cape Coral resident with four years experience on the City Council makes him the ideal candidate.

“I have the history with the city. We have someone from California who doesn’t know the city or the people. When a hurricane comes I don’t leave the city,” Leon said. “I’ve always tried to work with the people to work things out and do the best for the city.”