Benedita da Silva Leads Senate Poll and Discusses Faith in Brazil Politics

On July 27, federal deputy Benedita da Silva participated in the “Faith, Race and the Brazil We Want” debate at Rio de Janeiro’s ABI auditorium, joined by Marina Silva and deputy Henrique Vieira. The forum examined how faith shapes public life and addressed topics such as democracy, health, security and women’s rights. Benedita highlighted her grassroots experience, emphasizing the central role of women in community organization.

A Quaest poll released the same day surveyed 1,200 Rio voters about the 2026 Senate race. In the first simulated scenario Benedita received 11% of votes, rising to 12% in a second scenario, ahead of former mayor Marcelo Crivella (8‑9%) and other contenders. Undecided voters made up about 22‑23%, while 37‑38% said they would cast a blank, null or abstain. The poll follows the recent disqualification of Governor Cláudio Castro from the Senate contest.