Election 2026 | Question of the Week 6, District 1
Each week through the Primary, The Breeze will ask the candidates for Cape Coral City Council an issue-related question. In the interest of fairness, each candidate is limited to the same amount of space, about 100 words, for their response.
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.
The candidates below are running for the District 1 Cape Coral City Council seat:
Question of the Week: What message would you like voters to take to the polls?
• Sean Hartman
One word: SERVE. I am running to SERVE you, not rule over you. My professional background is customer service, so I’m the only candidate with the service experience needed to serve on the Cape Coral City Council.
• David Newton
My top priority is keeping Cape Coral one of the safest cities in the nation.
We must remain fiscally responsible by eliminating waste, investing wisely in our infrastructure, and ensuring growth pays for growth.
I believe every resident deserves to be heard.
As a retired police officer, I listened to everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. I will bring that same approach to City Council.
Government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people, and I will work every day to be a voice for all of Cape Coral.
• Thomas James Senatore
Experience Matters, with 40-plus years building and operating a successful business, every decision required accountability, budgeting, and responsible leadership. As a U.S. Marine veteran, I learned that leadership means putting the mission and people you serve first. In Cape Coral, I’ve continued that commitment as a Police Volunteer, P&Z Commissioner, and 2026 Chair of Professional Standards.
I’m running to serve, not for a title. I will protect tax dollars, defend private property rights, support smart + responsible growth, and make decisions based on what’s best for our residents, not special interests.
I’m someone with proven leadership, business experience, and a record of serving this community.
• Tom Shadrach
We need leaders with Program Management skills and a financial background. Leaders are needed with a focus on affordability with a common sense approach to meet residents needs and decide on projects based on financial analysis. Having program management experience allows the knowledge to oversee the city manager and staff to ensure they are meeting schedules and cost performance. Choose a candidate with no conflicts of interest. Special interest groups are having an influence in council decisions over the needs of the residents. Thank you for being an informed voter!