Brazilian State Governor Campaigns Launch with Strong Local Engagement in São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul
Gubernatorial candidates in São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul launched campaigns with strong local events and key political endorsements, signaling an active start to the 2026 elections.
- • Rio Grande do Sul candidates launched campaigns in Porto Alegre with public events despite rain.
- • Gabriel Souza and Ernani Polo held a sticker event in Cidade Baixa and met local leaders in Carazinho.
- • Juliana Brizola and Edegar Pretto opened a campaign committee emphasizing unity.
- • Fernando Haddad launched São Paulo campaign in São Bernardo with Lula and political allies, highlighting Lula’s governance achievements.
Key details
On August 16, 2026, major gubernatorial campaigns for the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul officially launched, marking the start of a heated electoral season ahead.
In Rio Grande do Sul, the capital city Porto Alegre was the hub for campaign activities. Candidates Gabriel Souza (MDB) and Ernani Polo (PSD) kicked off their campaigns with a sticker distribution event at Largo Zumbi dos Palmares in Cidade Baixa, drawing a sizable crowd despite rainy conditions. They followed this event with a meeting of local leaders in Carazinho to consolidate regional support. Meanwhile, Juliana Brizola (PDT) and Edegar Pretto (PT) inaugurated their campaign committee on Avenida José Bonifácio. Pretto called for a future for Rio Grande do Sul "without hatred and rancor," signaling a campaign focus on unity. Other candidates such as Luciano Zucco (PL) began their campaigning at Praça da Encol and Parque Moinhos de Vento, continuing efforts throughout the metropolitan area. Rejane de Oliveira (PSTU) launched her campaign at the Brique da Redenção fair in Porto Alegre, walking through the event alongside other candidates despite the wet weather.
In São Paulo, Fernando Haddad formally began his campaign in São Bernardo alongside notable figures including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, PSB's Geraldo Alckmin, and other Workers' Party leaders. Haddad centered his speech on Lula's political legacy and achievements during previous terms, highlighting economic growth, job creation, the strengthening of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS), and expanded access to higher education as cornerstones of Lula’s governance. This association positions Haddad as the continuity candidate aligned with Lula’s policies.
These campaign launches in key states reflect an energized political environment with candidates mobilizing grassroots support and leveraging prominent political alliances. The events, despite challenging weather, displayed significant public engagement and set the tone for the forthcoming electoral battles in these strategically important states.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
