The Most Important Election in Cape Coral’s History? Voters Will Decide.
The Florida Primary Election, including key races that will shape the future of Cape Coral, takes place Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This election will give voters the opportunity to decide the leaders and issues that will impact the city for years to come.
Key dates for Cape Coral / Lee County voters:
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Early voting: August 8–15, 2026
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Deadline to register or change party affiliation: July 20, 2026
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Vote-by-mail request deadline: August 6, 2026
For the City of Cape Coral specifically, the 2026 city races for Mayor and Council Districts 1, 4, and 6 are nonpartisan and are scheduled with the November 3, 2026 General Election.
Candidate Info
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly!

Sean Hartman
Candidate for District 1
My name is Sean Hartman and I am running for Cape Coral City Council to SERVE the People of Cape Coral. For too long, the residents of Cape Coral have had their voices ignored and their concerns dismissed. You deserve better. You deserve a City Council committed to listening to the people they are elected to serve.

Tom Shadrach
Candidate for District 1
Who would you rather have guarding your tax dollars? Tom retired after 37 years as a Boeing defense manager with oversight of $1.5 billion and a global team of 500. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and Management, Finance from Southeast Missouri State University.

Ray Mule
Candidate for District 6
For those who already know me, you’re familiar with the fact that I’m never a “go along to get along” kind of person. I wake up every day ready to fight hard for issues and causes I strongly believe in; and I look forward to fighting for you as your District 6 Representative.

Jennifer Nelson-Lastra
Candidate for District 4 (Incumbent)
I am running for Cape Coral City Council, District 4, to continue the important work I began during my previous term. My vision is to build a city where future generations, including my own daughter, will be proud to live, work, and raise their families.

Annette Warren
Candidate for District 6
With 40 years in Cape Coral and a background as a U.S. Air Force veteran, Annette brings deep roots and practical experience to her City Council campaign. She is dedicated to preserving the community’s quality of life while addressing growth and environmental challenges.

John Gunter
Candidate for Mayor (Incumbent)
Gunter’s Getting it Done
Since taking office, Mayor Gunter has been focused on moving Cape Coral in a better direction making it safer, stronger, and thriving for everyone. By investing in public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and expanded city services, Mayor John Gunter has created a stronger momentum and taken meaningful steps to move our city forward.

Dan Sheppard
Candidate for Mayor
Dan Sheppard isn't new to Cape Coral — he's been here for thirty years, raising his family and building his businesses from the ground up. For the past twenty-five years, he's been a fixture at city council meetings, doing the work most people never see: studying budgets, understanding infrastructure, and standing up for residents.










