Jim Schwartzel

Jim Schwartzel and his wife, Carly, met at Bishop Verot High School and raised their two children in Southwest Florida.¹² Both children are pursuing college studies, according to his 2026 charity fundraising profile.² He grew up in Fort Myers, attending Heights Elementary School before Bishop Verot.³

Schwartzel earned a finance degree at Stetson University.¹ He worked in Senator Connie Mack's Washington office, answering constituent mail and developing databases to track senators' votes.⁴ His father worked in broadcasting, and Schwartzel later took over Sun Broadcasting.³

His businesses include radio stations and Gulfshore Life Media, publisher of Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business and The Naples Press.² He and Carly became honorary trustees of the Naples Children Foundation in 2026, following years of support.¹ His media companies have supported the foundation's annual fundraising festival, including a televised event in 2021.¹

Schwartzel supports Trump's immigration enforcement policies and emphasizes regional water quality, including Lake Okeechobee releases and the health of local estuaries.³ He has also voiced concern about development near Florida panther habitat.³ His other proposals include upgrading the local VA clinic to a hospital, improving the electricity grid and reducing federal spending.⁴ He won the Republican primary for the seat Byron Donalds is leaving to run for governor and faces Democrat Victor Arias.⁵