Cape Coral Voters Will Elect District 1 Official
The city council general election for the District 1 seat is set to take place on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in City Hall
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Cape Coral voters will head to the polls on November 3 to select a new representative for the District 1 city council seat. Four candidates are competing to replace incumbent Bill Steinke, who is not seeking reelection.
Why it matters
The outcome of this non-partisan election will determine who serves a four-year term on the council. This position plays a role in guiding future business recruitment and city redevelopment initiatives.
Council members earn an annual salary of more than $44,000 for their four-year term of service. Voting for this citywide position is open to all eligible residents of Cape Coral.
The players
David Newton
He is a 54-year-old Air Force veteran and retired Las Vegas police officer running for the seat.
Bill Steinke
He is the incumbent council member for District 1 who is not seeking reelection.
Sean Hartman
He is a 35-year-old candidate currently campaigning for the District 1 position.
Thomas James Senatore
He is a 67-year-old candidate who has been a resident of Cape Coral since 2004.
Thomas Shadrach
He is a 67-year-old candidate who brings experience from his 37-year career at Boeing.
The details
Candidates David Newton, Sean Hartman, Thomas James Senatore, and Thomas Shadrach advanced to the general election after the August 18 primary. The council role is expected to influence local economic development as the city works toward long-term business recruitment goals.
Timeline
August 18: Primary election held for city council candidates.
November 3: General election scheduled for the District 1 seat.
Political Context
The race is governed by the Cape Coral City Charter's non-partisan election provisions, which mandate that candidates do not run under party affiliations. This structure often invites pushback from residents who seek clear ideological alignment from their representatives on local policy issues.
The election outcome will directly affect local tax policy and the city's approach to infrastructure funding for the next four years. Residents will see this new representative manage initiatives related to the city's long-term business recruitment and redevelopment efforts.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific professional backgrounds and redevelopment goals of the four remaining candidates before the November 3 election. Understanding the scope of the city council's influence on local business growth is essential for informed participation in this municipal race.
What happens next
The general election for the District 1 council seat will be held on November 3.
Further reading
Find more updates on local governance and future voting information at City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
Live Poll
Should new development fees fully cover the infrastructure costs for growth in your area?
