Another Republican candidate is jumping into the race for Byron Donalds' congressional seat after he announced his run for governor.
This is the area that includes much of Lee and coastal Collier counties.
Media mogul Jim Schwartzel said he wants to be the area's congressman.
Schwartzel owns a local Fox radio station, a Trump country radio station and the local C.W.
But he says his media interest isn't a conflict in running for this seat. He says Federal Communications Commission laws ensure he plays by the rules.
When asked how his past in radio and television will help him in this position, Schwartzel said, "I don't look at it as a something that helps me for this position. But I know how to run business, make a profit and balance a budget and Washington is broken from that standpoint."
"I'm a real local. I'm SWFL through and through. It's a very conservative area. I'm a rock-solid Republican. I want to fill this seat with a rock-solid republican because we're losing a rock-solid Republican in Byron Donalds," Schwartzel said.
When asked what sets him apart from the other candidates, he said, "I'm a businessman, not a politician."
Dave : All eyes are on these tariffs and the potential effect they could have on the economy. Your thoughts?
Jim : I think the tariffs are a negotiating tactic. I think Donald Trump is an excellent businessman. He can figure out how to negotiate for fair trade.
Dave : Are you worried about what it's doing to the economy?
Jim : I think it is a short-term problem with a long-term gain.
He shared his thoughts on Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El' Salvador by the Trump administration.
Jim : To me, he is illegal. He's an MS-13 member, and he is a terrorist. We get people who are illegal in the United States.
Dave : Should he at least have a chance before the courts?
Jim : He's not an American.
Dave : The president has said, let's consider homegrown and start deporting homegrown people…
Jim : He says a lot of things that are to strike the media and get media off their footing.
Dave : This race has historically seen a lot of candidates. Are you expecting more to jump in and talk about the financial expectation of this race.
Jim : I believe a lot of people will jump into this race.
Schwartzel is the second republican to jump into the race. Jim Oberweis, a former Illinois state senator, announced last month he's running.
Democrat Howard Sapp is also a local Fort Myers resident who is running for seat.
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