Election 2026 | Question of the Week 16, District 4 | What final message do you want voters to take to the polls?
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: What final message do you want voters to take to the polls?
The following candidates are running for Cape Coral City Council set for District 4:
• Jennifer Nelson-Lastra (I)
Two years ago, you elected me to City Council to end a culture of dysfunction. Council members had approved significant raises disguised as a stipend, meetings had become chaotic, and residents were being ignored. I ran to change that, and I did. My first action was ending the stipend. Since then, I’ve worked to cut waste, protect taxpayers, increase transparency, and make sure residents are heard before decisions are made. I’ve supported traffic relief, infrastructure improvements, responsible growth, accountability, and common-sense budgeting. I made the motion and gained consensus to bring the rowing club back to Tropicana Park where they were intended to go six years ago.
The next four years will be critical. With a new mayor and two new council members, Cape Coral needs steady, experienced leadership. I kept my promises, and I’m not finished fighting for Cape Coral.
• James Vargas
This election is about you, the people of Cape Coral. You spoke on Aug. 18, and on Nov. 3, we can make our voices heard again.
Voting is our American right and civic responsibility. Learn about each candidate and choose someone who will put your interests first, long after Election Day.
I’m a small business owner facing many of the same challenges you face. I believe that together, we can build a city our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home.
Above all, this election should be a win for Cape Coral.