Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Bonita Springs City Council Election 2026

2 of 7

council seats up

2 contests

5 candidates

Updated Oct 4, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

City Council District 3 · 1 seat

Ruth ConditPrincipal of Ruth Condit Interiors, a residential interior design consulting business in Estero. Her campaign site says she completed projects from New York City to Naples.3sourced
Ray SandelliCommercial real estate professional and former Navy aviator who served on the Lee County Commission. He was appointed to the county commission in 2019, won the 2020 election and completed his term in 2024.3sourced
Tim VoitFounder of an economics firm specializing in forensic economics and a Bonita Springs resident for 24 years. He earned degrees in civil engineering, finance, and real estate and development.3sourced

City Council District 5 · 1 seat

Two council seats are on the ballot, District 3 and District 5, and only voters living in each district vote on its seat. District 1 was won without opposition.

4 notes on these statements

Laura E. Carr is listed as the District 3 council member, with a term of 2022-26. City of Bonita Springs

The District 3 candidates are Ruth Condit, Ray Sandelli and Tim Voit. City of Bonita Springs

Jamie Bogacz was declared elected to District 1 as the unopposed candidate. City of Bonita Springs

Nigel Fullick holds the District 5 seat, with a term listed as 2022-26. City of Bonita Springs

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Jamie BogaczCouncilmember, District 1; declared elected without opposition in 20263sourced Chris CorrieCouncilmember, District 4; term ends 20284sourced Jim FitzpatrickCouncilmember, District 6; term ends 20282sourced Mike GibsonMayor; term ends 2028bio only Jesse PurdonCouncilmember, District 2; term ends 20282sourced

Start here

Match quiz4 questions · answers stay on your phone Seat the CouncilPick winners, see the council What council decidesBonita Estero Rail Trail, Property taxes and Amendment 3, Flooding and stormwater Key datesDeadlines and vote centers

Next date

Voter registration deadline

Mon, Oct 5, 2026

TodayAll key dates

What the next council decides

Bonita Estero Rail Trail

Where it standsVoters approved up to $35 million in bonds on Aug. 18, 2026 for the city's share of a former rail corridor. The land sale was expected, as of March, to close by the end of October.

What's on the tableHow and how fast the council builds the 5.8-mile city segment, which the land purchase does not pay for.

The bond referendum passed with 8,971 yes votes and 4,175 no votes. City of Bonita Springs
The city's share of the land is valued at $28.6 million, and the cost covers only the land, not building the trail. WGCU · Mar 25, 2026
Of the $35 million in bond authority, about $6.4 million could fund design, engineering and initial construction without another referendum, according to city officials. Florida Weekly
The council voted 6-1 on March 25, 2026 to use bonds for the city's share, with Laura Carr the only member questioning the purchase. WGCU · Mar 25, 2026

Property taxes and Amendment 3

Where it standsThe council set a 0.847 mill ceiling for 2026-27, the same rate as before. Statewide Amendment 3 on the November ballot would raise the homestead exemption.

What's on the tableThe yearly property tax rate and how to adjust the budget if the exemption rises.

On July 15, 2026 the council voted unanimously to set a 0.847 millage rate ceiling, expected to raise about $15.5 million in property tax revenue. Gulfshore Business
Amendment 3 needs 60% of the vote and would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Gulfshore Business
City Manager Hunter told the council on June 3, 2026 that staff were evaluating possible budget effects of the homestead exemption amendment. City of Bonita Springs · Jun 3, 2026

Flooding and stormwater

Where it standsThe council is funding home elevation work in central Bonita Springs and set stormwater assessment fees for 2026-27 on a 6-1 vote.

What's on the tableHow stormwater and flood-protection projects are paid for and what standards apply to new development.

Stormwater assessments for 2026-27 are $50 a year for homes over 1,800 square feet and $20 for smaller homes and condominiums, expected to raise about $1.7 million. Gulfshore Business
On June 3, 2026 the council approved a state grant contract for elevating homes in central Bonita Springs, with 75% of costs paid by FEMA and 25% by property owners. City of Bonita Springs · Jun 3, 2026

Growth, housing and zoning

Where it standsDowntown redevelopment is adding activity, and the council has begun discussing criteria for weighing the historical significance of property.

What's on the tableRezoning and land-use requests, density, and housing rules.

Downtown Bonita Springs is expected to grow more crowded as residential and commercial development, including the Imperial 41 project, moves forward. Gulfshore Business
On June 3, 2026 the council discussed a draft policy on the criteria it uses when considering the historical significance of property. City of Bonita Springs · Jun 3, 2026

Traffic and mobility

Where it standsThe city is writing a Citywide Mobility Plan, and the council is expected to approve a final version late this year.

What's on the tableWhich road, sidewalk, bike and transit projects the city funds through 2050.

The city hired ADEAS-Q for an 18-month Citywide Mobility Plan that will guide roadway improvements through 2050. Gulfshore Business
Survey respondents named Bonita Beach Road, U.S. 41, Old 41 and downtown Bonita Springs, and Terry Street among the most difficult places to travel. Gulfshore Business

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

1. How should Bonita Springs reduce flood risk for neighborhoods?
2. How should the council treat large development proposals?
3. How should the city help people who work in Bonita Springs afford to live there?
4. What should the city prioritize to ease downtown traffic?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

Voter registration deadlineWGCU · Sep 28, 2026Oct 5, 2026
Election DayCity of Bonita SpringsNov 3, 2026

The seat math

5 stay (not up this year): Jamie Bogacz, Chris Corrie, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mike Gibson, Jesse Purdon2 on this ballot

7 council seats. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

The Bonita Springs City Council has the mayor and six council members, one elected by the voters of each of six districts. City of Bonita Springs
The mayor is elected at large to a four-year term, is a voting member of the council and presides at meetings. City of Bonita Springs
The mayor and council members serve four-year terms and may serve a maximum of two four-year terms. City of Bonita Springs
Municipal elections are nonpartisan and are run by the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. City of Bonita Springs
Districts 3 and 5 are on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, and only registered voters living in a district may vote for its candidates. City of Bonita Springs

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