I am the strong leader Cape Coral needs right now.

For over thirty-two years, I served in the Army, retiring as a Green Beret Sergeant Major. I have led teams in both combat and non combat operations around the world. I’ve made life or death decisions under fire and sat down with diplomats, village elders, and local leaders in foreign countries to repair critical infrastructure, rebuild shattered communities, establish medical facilities, and bring warring factions together in some of the toughest places on earth.

Green Berets don’t just fight , we win hearts and minds. We leave behind stronger communities that last.

I’m stepping up to run for mayor not because I want the title, but because I have the experience and skill set to lead this city through a hurricane, a riot, a national emergency, or any crisis that comes our way. I’ve led and lived under the worst conditions imaginable, and I know how to bring calm, order, and real results when everything is falling apart.

Right now, Cape Coral desperately needs a strong leader who can bring continuity, real cooperation between the City Council and the community, and get things done. As that leader, I will work with every district to build a safer, stronger, and truly affordable city where families can thrive instead of being crushed by taxes and wasteful spending.

My Story

• Born in February 1963 in Worcester, Massachusetts
• 1977: My family moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, to escape “Taxachusetts”
• Graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981
• Joined the Army in 1983, transferred to the Army Reserves, then the Florida National Guard
• Activated for Desert Storm in 1991
• Worked for the United States Postal Service while serving
• Wrongfully terminated in 2000 for military service. I fought the USPS and won, a battle I’m still pursuing 26      years later under USERRA. I am not able to find a lawyer to help me pro bono. 
• Married twice. My first marriage ended in divorce. I had to fight like hell through every dirty tactic to keep my three daughters. I won full custody of all three girls.
• My second marriage also ended in divorce. I raised my three daughters with the help of my mom and our Florida family when I needed, while continuing my military career.
• Retired as a Special Forces Sergeant Major in 2015 after 32 years of service with a Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Ran my own contracting company, Norsemen Ops, performing search and rescue, security, safety, and humanitarian operations

Run my own charity for veterans. 

Hurricane Ian and the Fight for Our Families
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated our family. My mother’s home in the Yacht Club was completely underwater. My house and my daughter Renee’s house were both destroyed. Our insurance companies either went bankrupt or fled Florida, forcing FIGA to take over. We are still paying for repairs out of our own pockets in 2026. The government’s response has been nothing but delays and denial.

In September 2023, our family endured a horrific nightmare involving my mother. We are still pursuing legal action and cannot say more at this time. What I can say is this: the experience lit a fire in me. I now have zero tolerance for elder abuse, extortion of vulnerable adults, domestic violence, or anyone who preys on the weak. Everyone must be treated equally under the law and with 100% due process. No selective enforcement.

My Promise to Cape Coral
I have fought for my country, fought for my children, fought for my mother, and fought through every dirty attack thrown at me. I don’t run from a fight. I never have. I am a fighter. Bring it!

I will fight just as hard for you as I’ve fought for my country and my family and other veterans. That’s not a campaign promise. That is who I am.

I cannot do this alone. Even if I get your vote and become mayor, I need the support of the City Council, our district leaders, city employees, local agencies, and every citizen of Cape Coral to speak up, show up, and help us make this city affordable, transparent, accountable, safe, fun, and livable again.

Status quo has no place in Cape Coral. Change must happen right now.

I am running for Mayor to bring my strong leadership to Cape Coral , for you.

My oath never expires.

Paid for and approved by Richard “Rick” Erickson, candidate for Cape Coral Mayor.