Cape Coral incumbent Mayor John Gunter got knocked out of office Tuesday night in a failed attempt at re-election in Southwest Florida‘s largest city.
The Aug. 18 primary featured five candidates in the Lee County municipality challenging Gunter, with the voting being done citywide for the four-year term.
The two with the highest totals, Rick Erickson and Lisa Cohen-Adkinson, advanced to the Nov. 3 general election.
All eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation, could cast their ballots in the non-partisan elections that wrapped up the first phase Tuesday night.
Cape Coral has a council-manager form of government with a mayor and seven districts with population sizes that are as equal as possible and follow the center lines of streets or canals.
The mayor position is paid an annual salary of nearly $50,000. Look for continuing coverage in the News-Press for the latest leading up to November, when voters make their final decision in the race. Here are the candidates in order of finish:
Richard E. Erickson, Cape Coral candidate
Richard E. Erickson
Retiring from the United States Army after more than 32 years, Erickson, 63, also worked as paramedic. He had 32% of the vote, and said Tuesday that “tonight’s victory belongs to the people of Cape Coral. I am deeply humbled by the confidence voters have placed in me, and I want to sincerely thank every resident who supported our campaign. I am especially grateful to the countless volunteers, donors and supporters who spent months knocking on doors, making phone calls, displaying yard signs, attending events and sharing our message throughout the community.
“This victory would not have been possible without your dedication and belief in our vision for Cape Coral, (and) tonight proves that integrity, respect and a commitment to serving others still matter,” Erikson said. “(It) demonstrates that Cape Coral has rejected the Realtor, developer and career politician class that has controlled City Hall for far too long. The people are ready for leadership that puts residents first, protects our neighborhoods, keeps our families safe and reins in government to its original purpose of serving the people rather than special interests.”
Lisa Cohen-Adkinson of Cape Coral came in second place in the Cape Coral mayoral election on Aug. 18, 2026. That means she moves on the face the first-place winner in the November general election. Both the first- and second-place candidates beat out the incumbent, Mayor John Gunter.
Lisa Cohen-Adkinson
A Cape resident since 1990, Cohen-Adkinson, 46, is Valor Real Estate Services Inc. broker and owner. Saying that the election success that brought her 24.5% of the vote belonged to residents, she called Tuesday “an incredible night. (This) campaign has never been about one person.
“Tonight we celebrate — but tomorrow, we get right back to work. Because this is only the beginning. We believe Cape Coral can have a future where residents are heard, taxpayers are respected, infrastructure keeps pace with growth, families can afford to stay here and government remembers exactly who it works for. There is so much worth fighting for in this city. Cape Coral’s story is still being written, and I truly believe her best days are still ahead of her.”
John Gunter
John Gunter
Mayor since 2021 and a Cape resident for 19 years, Gunter is Gulf Coast Premier Homes president, who declined to respond to News-Press questions Tuesday night. “Commitment to public safety continues to be a top priority — a cornerstone” of his administration, Gunter, 62, said prior to receiving 14.9% of the vote.
Kara Rogers of Cape Coral.
Kara Rogers
She is an attorney and one of the owners of the Cape Coral-based Powers & Rogers law firm, and Tuesday night thanked voters and volunteers who “sent a message that there is space in Cape Coral for new, forward-thinking leaders. We gathered real support by reaching out to all of the members of our diverse community, and I’m proud of that.
“Although I would have loved to make it through to November and had the opportunity to serve the residents of Cape Coral, I am proud of what we did with our grassroots campaign,” said Rogers, 39, who finished just behind the incumbent with 14.5% of the vote. “We didn’t make it to the finish line this time, but that doesn’t mean we give up. I’m going to take a moment to reset and refresh, and then get back out there to keep serving our community. I hope you’ll keep fighting with me to make Cape Coral a better place for all of its residents.”
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Dan Sheppard
A former Cape city council member, he has been a landscape businessman since 1999. “The best decisions for Cape Coral aren’t made for today; they’re made for the next generation.” Sheppard, 63, said during the campaign. “Most people make their decisions based on today. I don’t do that. I’m always looking out four or five years into the future.”
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Richard Andrew Leon of Cape Coral
Richard Andrew Leon
A resident since 1989 and former council member, he has worked in retail for about 14 years. “Leadership should be both professional and personal, thoughtful and compassionate,” Leon, 39, said along the campaign trail. “My vision is simple: A Cape Coral where leadership means listening first, where we work together instead of against each other and where every resident feels they have a voice in shaping our future.”
Writing In the Know for the USA TODAY Network, Columnist Phil Fernandez (pfernandez@gannett.com) grew up in Southwest Florida and has led Pulitzer Prize-winning efforts. Sign up for our free Breaking Ground growth and development newsletter. Subscribe to our News-Press and Naples Daily News apps.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral mayor falls short in re-election bid; two others advance