ACM Neto launches Bahia governorship bid with “Change with Security” coalition

Former Salvador mayor ACM Neto officially announced his candidacy for governor of Bahia at a convention in Salvador on 22 July 2026, unveiling the campaign slogan “Mudança com Segurança” (Change with Security). He presented a coalition ticket that includes Zé Cocá (PP) as vice‑governor and Senate candidates Angelo Coronel (Republicanos) and João Roma (PL), backed by parties such as União Brasil, PP, PL, PSDB/Cidadania, Republicanos, Novo and Podemos.

In his speech Neto pledged to create a Governadoria da Segurança, overhaul public safety, and address health, education and economic development, criticizing incumbent governor Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT). The same week, President Luiz Inácio Lula confirmed he will attend the PT convention on 1 August in Salvador that will launch Jerônimo Rodrigues’s re‑election campaign and register Senate candidates Jaques Wagner and Rui Costa. João Roma also announced Suzana Ramos as his first Senate substitute. The events mark the formal start of the 2026 electoral race in Bahia, with both opposition and governing blocs solidifying their slates.

Additional remarks from local officials, including a rebuttal by state deputy Robinson Almeida to criticism of Governor Rodrigues, illustrate the heightened political contest in the state.