Bahia Governor Race Tightens in Brazil's 2026 State Elections

A recent Paraná Pesquisas poll shows former Salvador mayor ACM Neto (União Brasil) leading the Bahia gubernatorial race with 48.9% in the first‑round scenario and 50.9% in a simulated runoff, while incumbent governor Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT) trails at 38.7% and 40.0% respectively. The same institute reports that 55.2% of Bahian voters approve Jerônimo’s administration, compared with 41.5% disapproval.

A forensic analysis of ACM Neto’s 214‑page government plan found a 56.7% probability that portions were generated or edited with artificial‑intelligence tools. Neto’s team acknowledges using AI for spelling and formatting but denies substantive policy input.

The Bahia Regional Electoral Court has ordered the removal of four AI‑generated or manipulated videos that the court deemed misleading, imposing fines of up to R$10,000 per day for non‑compliance.

Ahead of the campaign, televised debates are scheduled for August 9 in Amazonas and Ceará, featuring the state‑level candidates. In Salvador, Chamber president Carlos Muniz (PSDB) said he will decide by Wednesday which candidate to back, weighing both Jerônimo Rodrigues and ACM Neto.

Governor Jerônimo also broadened his political base at a convention in Salvador, welcoming mayors who previously supported Neto in 2022, signaling a wider coalition for his re‑election bid.