Election 2026 | Question of the Week 15, District 4 | How will you serve the public as their representative on council?
Each week through the General Election, 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 General Election, on Nov. 3, features four Cape Coral City Council races: Mayor and the seats for District 1, 4 and 6.
Question of the Week: How will you serve the public as their representative on council?
The following candidates are running for Cape Coral City Council set for District 4:
• Jennifer Nelson-Lastra (I)
My commitment is to remain accessible, engaged, and responsive to the residents I represent. I currently speak with residents regularly during Citizen Input, meet with them in person or by phone, and take the time to research their concerns and bring facts to the table. I will continue hosting Town Halls, including those focused on the Old Golf Course and other important city issues. Being a representative means listening, communicating, and following through, not just showing up for meetings. My door is open, and I believe residents deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their community.
• James Vargas
I will serve with honor, integrity, and professionalism, remembering that this seat belongs to the people. I will keep our community informed, listen to your concerns, and ensure your voices help guide my decisions.
Accountability starts with me. I will own my decisions and hold my fellow council members, the mayor, and city staff to the same standard of public service.
Whether we agree on every issue or not, you deserve a representative who is accessible, treats you with respect, and works every day to earn your trust.