FORT MYERS, Fla. —
The city of Fort Myers elected its first Black mayor, Amber Ware, who defeated incumbent Kevin Anderson in the 2026 midterm elections.
Anderson’s re-election bid has been overshadowed by sexual misconduct allegations made by two men at a September Fort Myers City Council meeting. He has denied the allegations, saying that they were out of context.
Ware, who was born and raised in Fort Myers, has worked for the city for 24 years. For the past seven years, Ware has worked as a Division Manager for the STARS Complex, which focuses on youth development and recreational programs.
She said that she has worked extensively on projects for the city, including Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevard and State Road 82’s expansion, the development of the Billy Bowlegs Sports Complex, and helping Fort Myers secure $55 million in State Revolving Funds that were used to help the downtown River District.
According to Ware’s website, her campaign centers on four priorities: transparency, economic development, youth programs, and water infrastructure.
She further states that city budgets, contracts, and project progress will be publicly accessible, and that every department will be required to justify its spending against measurable goals.
On the economy front, Ware intends to recruit major employers, like banks and grocery stores, support small businesses, expand job training through local partnerships, and hold business incentives to a clear public benefit.
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