Cocoa City Council District 4: What Residents Should Know Before the 2026 Election

The City of Cocoa City Council District 4 election will be decided during the 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026.

For Cocoa residents, municipal elections determine who will help make decisions involving development, city spending, parks, infrastructure, economic development, water resources, and other issues that directly affect everyday life.

Ron Chabot is one of two qualified candidates for Cocoa City Council District 4 in the 2026 election. The Brevard County Supervisor of Elections lists Ron Chabot and Josue Otero as the qualified candidates for the seat.

This guide explains what the Cocoa City Council does, how District 4 representation works, the issues Ron has identified as priorities, and important dates residents should know before Election Day.

What Does the Cocoa City Council Do?

Cocoa operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

Under this structure, the City Council establishes policies and programs for the city and appropriates funding for city departments, while the City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of city government.

Cocoa's City Council consists of five members. The mayor is elected citywide, while four council members are elected from individual districts.

That means a District 4 council member can be involved in decisions affecting issues such as development, budgeting, public spaces, local businesses, infrastructure, environmental programs, and long-term planning.

Regular Cocoa City Council meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Council Chambers, 65 Stone Street in Cocoa.

Who Is Ron Chabot?

Ron Chabot is a lifelong Brevard County resident, Cocoa High School graduate, U.S. Army veteran, longtime business leader, and community volunteer.

After graduating from Cocoa High in 1974, Chabot served four years in the United States Army as a Military Policeman before returning to Brevard County.

He later spent 43 years with Carroll Distributing Company, including approximately 20 years in senior management. His professional responsibilities included sales, community relations, media relations, events, and charitable partnerships.

Chabot has also been involved with a number of Brevard County civic and charitable organizations, including the Joe Realino Memorial Fund, Brevard County Sheriff's Camp Chance, Brevard County Sheriff's PAL, the Space Coast Office of Tourism Marketing Committee, Carleton Terrace Park Association, and American Legion Post 22.

The Brevard County Supervisor of Elections reports that Chabot announced his candidacy for Cocoa City Council District 4 on January 30, 2026 and officially qualified for the race on August 6, 2026.

What Issues Has Ron Chabot Identified as Priorities?

Chabot's campaign has identified six primary areas of focus for Cocoa: responsible growth, parks and recreation, water and environmental protection, economic development, resident accessibility, and teamwork on City Council.

Responsible Growth in Cocoa

Development and population growth can create both opportunities and challenges for cities.

Chabot's stated position is that future development should benefit residents and businesses while considering neighborhood character, infrastructure, quality of life, and the long-term needs of Cocoa.

His campaign states that he supports development decisions that are transparent and provide residents with opportunities to be involved in the planning process.

Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs

Parks and recreation are another area Chabot has highlighted.

His campaign identifies improvements to parks, recreational opportunities, Cocoa Little League, youth programs, and family-oriented community spaces as priorities.

Municipal parks can influence quality of life in several ways, providing areas for sports, exercise, community events, youth activities, and neighborhood recreation.

Chabot has said that he wants District 4 families to have public spaces they can use and take pride in.

Water Resources and the Indian River Lagoon

Water quality and environmental issues remain important topics throughout Brevard County.

Chabot's campaign identifies water resources, runoff reduction, environmental stewardship, and Indian River Lagoon restoration among the issues he wants the city to continue addressing.

Because Cocoa is part of the broader Indian River Lagoon region, decisions involving stormwater, runoff, development, and infrastructure can contribute to larger regional environmental efforts.

Economic Development and Local Businesses

Economic development is another responsibility that frequently intersects with municipal government.

Chabot's stated position is that Cocoa should encourage responsible investment while maintaining an environment where existing local businesses can compete and grow.

His campaign says he wants economic development to create opportunities for residents while ensuring District 4 participates in Cocoa's economic future.

Listening to District 4 Residents

City Council members are also direct representatives of the residents within their districts.

Chabot's campaign has emphasized accessibility as one of his priorities, including attending neighborhood meetings, communicating with residents, and providing opportunities for constituents to raise concerns about city issues.

Residents can also participate directly in Cocoa government by attending City Council meetings and following matters being considered by the council.

Teamwork on Cocoa City Council

Another theme of Chabot's campaign is cooperation among elected officials.

His campaign states that he wants City Council members to be able to work through disagreements and focus on practical solutions for Cocoa.

Chabot has pointed to his military service, management career, and work with community organizations as experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork.

When Is the Cocoa City Council District 4 Election?

The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

According to the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Important election dates include:

October 5, 2026: voter registration deadline

October 19–31, 2026: early voting

October 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.: deadline to request that a mail ballot be sent

November 3, 2026: General Election Day

Voters casting a ballot on Election Day must vote at their assigned precinct.

Who Is Running for Cocoa City Council District 4?

As of August 2026, the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections lists two qualified candidates:

Ron Chabot and Josue Otero.

Municipal elections give Cocoa residents an opportunity to compare the candidates' backgrounds, priorities, experience, and approaches to the issues facing the city.

Learn More About Ron Chabot

Residents interested in learning more about Ron Chabot can review his background, community involvement, and stated priorities on the campaign website.

The site includes additional information about his experience in Brevard County, military service, business career, community organizations, and positions regarding responsible growth, parks and recreation, water resources, economic development, constituent communication, and City Council teamwork.

Residents can also attend public events and City Council meetings, review local government information, and use the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections website for official voter and election information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cocoa City Council District 4 election?

The election is part of the November 3, 2026 General Election in Brevard County.

Who is running for Cocoa City Council District 4 in 2026?

The two qualified candidates currently listed by the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections are Ron Chabot and Josue Otero.

What does the Cocoa City Council do?

The City Council establishes city policies and programs and appropriates funding for city departments. Cocoa operates under a Council-Manager system, with the City Manager overseeing day-to-day city operations.

How many members are on Cocoa City Council?

Cocoa City Council has five members: a mayor elected at large and four council members elected from individual districts.

Where can I find official Cocoa election information?

Official candidate, voter-registration, early-voting, mail-ballot, polling-location, and election information is available through the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections.