Rep. Byron Donalds endorses Lisa Cohen-Adkinson in Cape Coral mayor race
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
U.S. Representative and current Republican nominee for Florida governor Byron Donalds has thrown his weight behind Lisa Cohen-Adkinson in the Cape Coral mayor race.
On Monday, Cohen-Adkinson posted a video of herself with Donalds to her Facebook page, where she officially announced that Donalds had endorsed her.
“This Labor Day morning, my family and I went out to put up flags to honor the memory of 9/11,” the post said. “While I was out there doing what matters most, remembering our nation’s heroes and looking out for our community, something truly incredible happened. My good friend of over a decade, Congressman Byron Donalds, officially endorsed my campaign to become the next Mayor of Cape Coral.”
Cohen-Adkinson is set to face off against Rick Erickson in November’s general election. The two emerged from a crowded August primary, with Erickson winning 32.22% of the vote and Cohen-Adkinson taking home 24.61% of the vote.
In the video, Donalds calls Cohen-Adkinson a good friend whom he has known for more than 10 years.
“She has been committed to Cape Coral the entire time,” Donalds said. “She needs to be your new mayor.”
“This is my good friend Lisa Cohen Adkinson,” Donalds said during the announcement.
Adkinson said the endorsement highlights her dedication to the residents and businesses of Cape Coral.
“He knows that I’m that, you know, the person that’s really going to be looking out for the homeowners and the business owners here in Cape Coral,” Adkinson said.
She added that she and Donalds have known each other for years through their shared political connections.
Adkinson’s opponent, Rick Erickson, who won 32% of the primary votes compared to her 24%, shared his thoughts on the endorsement.
“I think anyone can endorse anyone they want to, you know, it’s their opinion. And, he’s been friends with for over ten years, so that pretty much sets the base for it. But I’m here to represent the citizens of Cape Coral and what their needs and wants are,” Erickson said.
Political consultant Dennis Pearlman explained how the timing of Donalds’ endorsement could play a role in Adkinson’s campaign.
“I think it’s just about right, because what you need to do is there’s about a three-week window now before mail ballots hit boxes. And so now’s the time that you can build that momentum on that endorsement,” Pearlman said.
With the November election approaching, Pearlman also emphasized the importance of voters evaluating candidates beyond endorsements.
“With any endorsement. Sure, they’re great, but you need to look at the confidence that that candidate projects to getting things done. Are they likable? Are they a stand-up person? That’s really what it comes down to. Can I, am I compatible with that person’s processes or thoughts? Endorsements are great, but you still got to get below the surface just a bit,” Pearlman said.
Both Cohen-Adkinson and Erickson said they are advocating for the Department of Government Efficiency, a priority Donalds hopes to continue if elected governor of Florida.
“We are grateful for the endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds,” Cohen-Adkinson said. “This shows the movement we are carrying into day one as your next mayor.”
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