Fort Myers native Howard Sapp is the latest candidate to officially file to run for the District 19 congressional seat after Byron Donalds launched his campaign for governor. He is the nephew of Veronica Shoemaker, the first Black member of the Fort Myers City Council.
Republican and former Illinois Congressman Jim Oberweis, who now lives in Bonita Springs, has also officially filed to run for the seat.
Sapp, a Democrat, said a lot of people are frustrated, angry and confused and don’t understand what is happening in government and that is the reason for hundreds of people gathering to protest in Southwest Florida.
Sapp sat down for a one-on-one interview with Chief Political Correspondent Dave Elias to answer some questions on the minds of many voters.
Elias: Why do you think Democrats are being so vocal, and do you think it's spreading?
Sapp: Things are beginning to affect and hit home, and when those things hit home, people begin to react.
Elias: Despite all of the noise being made, how do you expect to win with the number stacked against you?
Sapp: It's going to be difficult. I'm prepared for that. One of things I want to do is make sure people understand I'm not quote the politician but I'm a person who is concerned about people.
Elias: Your thoughts on President Trump now flirting with a third term?
Sapp: I don't see it! Something I would not like. I'd say let's stick to the Constitution.
Elias: Do you think the economy has improved under President Trump?
Sapp: When he said before the election what he was going to do and make things so much better from Day 1 — from Day 1, things seem to be in such a decline. The numbers just don't match what he was saying.
Elias: Democrats say Elon Musk has too much power. Your reaction?
Sapp: I totally agree. The things that he's doing and the things that are happening from a governmental standpoint -- I certainly think it's a big overreach.
When asked about the main issues facing District 19, Sapp listed four top priorities.
Sapp: Looking at our area, the environment, the immigration, the economy, the affordable housing, those are certainly things affecting this area right now.
That's something he said he hopes voters will think about when they vote next year.