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Brazil election updates: Paes leads Rio race and JHC faces media lawsuits
In the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial race, a Quaest poll indicates Eduardo Paes (PSD) leads the first round with 36% of the voting intentions, followed by Douglas Ruas (PL) at 23% and Anthony Garotinho at 8%. In a potential runoff between Paes and Ruas, Paes holds 44% compared to Ruas's 31%.
In Alagoas, political activity remains intense. Governor Paulo Dantas (MDB) held a victory rally in Maceió, framing the candidacy of Renan Filho (MDB) and President Lula as a defense of democracy and social progress. Meanwhile, candidate João Henrique Caldas (JHC) faces scrutiny regarding legal actions against the media. An investigation by Abraji noted 183 lawsuits filed by JHC and his coalition against journalists and media outlets, amid ongoing investigations into the 'Master case' and Operation Compliance Zero involving municipal pension funds.
Entities
Abraji · Douglas Ruas · Eduardo Paes · João Henrique Caldas · Rio de Janeiro
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Federal Police launched Operation Compliance Zero in November 2025. www.metropoles.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In a potential runoff between Paes and Ruas, Paes would receive 44% of the votes compared to 31% for Ruas. www.estadao.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Douglas Ruas holds 23% of the voting intentions for the Rio de Janeiro governorship. www.estadao.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism identified 183 lawsuits filed by JHC, the PSDB/Cidadania Federation, and the Alagoas Gigante coalition against media professionals and companies. www.metropoles.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Eduardo Paes leads the first round of the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial race with 36% of the vote. www.estadao.com.br