Election 2026 | Question of the Week, Week 2, District 4 (General Election only)
Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan races. Council members qualify in their respective districts but are elected at-large. This means all registered city voters may cast a ballot in each race regardless of where they live and the party to which they are affiliated, if any. This year’s Primary, on Aug. 18, features three Cape Coral City Council races: Mayor and the seats for District 1 and 6. District 4, with only two candidates, will be on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.
Question of the Week: What are your top three issues and why?
The following candidates are running for Cape Coral City Council set for District 4: (This race will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot only:
• Jennifer Nelson-Lastra (I)
First, infrastructure-because roads, water, sewer, and mobility are the foundation of quality of life and economic success. We have to continue investing wisely and planning ahead.
Second, public safety, because nothing matters more than ensuring our residents feel safe and supporting the police and fire professionals and our frontline employees who serve our community every day.
Third, responsible growth, because growth should strengthen Cape Coral, not outpace it. That means protecting taxpayers, supporting local business, and making decisions that keep our city affordable and sustainable for the future.
• James Vargas
My top three priorities are protecting Cape Coral’s resources, increasing community involvement, and restoring accountability.
First, I oppose large-scale data centers because of concerns about their impact on our water supply, electric infrastructure, and quality of life.
Second, I believe residents deserve a meaningful voice before major projects and taxpayer funded projects move forward. City Hall works for the people, and public engagement isn’t a want it is a requirement.
Third, accountability must become the standard. Every elected official and every city employee should take ownership of their decisions, correct mistakes, and be transparent with the public.