Black political candidacies decline in Rio Grande do Sul

Data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) indicates a decline in Black political candidacies in Rio Grande do Sul for the 2026 elections. The number of candidates identifying as Black or mixed-race (pardo) fell to 188, representing 17.89% of the state's 1,051 total candidacies. This is a decrease from 279 candidacies (19.42%) recorded in 2022.

The decline was driven primarily by Black candidates, which dropped from 161 in 2022 to 101 in 2026. While the proportional participation of mixed-race candidates remained relatively stable at 8.28%, the overall representation of Black candidates remains below the 21% demographic share of the state's population according to the 2022 IBGE Census.

Political scientist Maria Lúcia Moritz notes that access to campaign financing is a critical factor in this trend. Despite TSE regulations intended to distribute party funds proportionally to Black candidacies, significant disparities in funding persist between Black candidates and white candidates.