Following the withdrawal of Alva Republican Grant Fichter in the race for the seat of Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Greenwell (R-District 5), a new Republican challenger has emerged in Amanda Cochran, of Fort Myers.
Greenwell, who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 following the death of the late county commissioner Frank Mann, has previously announced his candidacy to a new term. A Fort Myers Democrat, Kizzie Fowler, has also announced her candidacy for Greenwell’s seat.
“With six generations of family history in Lee County, I am firmly invested in the well-being of our community,” Cochran said in an announcement. “My only motivation is to make our community a better place for the citizens of Lee County. Together, we can build a brighter future for Lee County–one rooted in transparency, sustainability, and unity.”
In her announcement, Cochran said she aims to ensure that “Lee County’s development aligns with its residents’ current and long-term interests.”
Cochrane said she will prioritize “crucial initiatives for infrastructure, healthcare, the public school system, and public safety resources that anticipate and meet the needs of a growing population.”
Cochran said she will “actively engage in securing any available funding, resources, and tools necessary to ensure public safety, as well as their safety and well-being.”
In her announcement, Cochran said she will “direct attention to and promote real solutions to provide attainable housing for critical professions such as educators, firefighters, law enforcement, healthcare providers, active military, and veterans.”
Cochran said she is also committed to “protecting the environment and safeguarding Lee County’s endangered waterways.” Cochran said she understands the “critical role of environmental conservation in sustaining the local economy and quality of life.”
Cochran is married to Darius L. Cochran, owner of RE/MAX River and Ranch. She has also served as a board member of Larry Ford Ministries
Cochran’s campaign treasurer is listed as Eric Robinson, a partner in the accounting firm Robinson, Gruters & Roberts, which includes Republican State Senator Joe Gruters. Robinson was also previously listed as the campaign treasurer of Fichter, before he withdrew.