Brazil election activity intensifies across Bahia, Ceará, and Santa Catarina

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, political activity is intensifying across several Brazilian states. In Bahia, candidate ACM Neto has begun organizing campaign strategies with state and federal deputies, while also engaging with youth groups in Feira de Santana to discuss public policy. Asset declarations from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) reveal that Duda Sanches and ACM Neto are among the wealthiest candidates in the state, with Sanches declaring R$ 140.5 million.

In Ceará, recent Atlas/Focus polling indicates that Ciro Gomes leads the gubernatorial race with 49.3% of intended votes, ahead of incumbent Elmano de Freitas, who holds 44.6%. In a potential second-round scenario, Gomes maintains a lead of 53.4% to 44.8%.

Other regional developments include João Rodrigues preparing an official campaign launch in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, and candidates in Piauí, such as Rafael Fonteles and Joel Rodrigues, scheduling early campaign acts. Official electoral propaganda and public rallies are permitted to begin on August 16, following the deadline for candidate registration.