Jorginho Mello Leads Santa Catarina Governor Race in Latest Polls

A Neokemp/OCP News poll conducted July 22‑23 with 1,008 voters across 100 municipalities in Santa Catarina shows incumbent Governor Jorginho Mello (PL) ahead with 52.8% of the vote, far exceeding the combined totals of all challengers. João Rodrigues (PSD) trails at 20.3%, Gelson Merisio (PSB) at 8.2%, Marcelo Brigadeiro (Missão) at 2.5% and Ralf Zimmer (PRD) at 1.7%. The survey reports a 3.1‑point margin of error and 95% confidence. A second Neokemp poll focusing on the state’s West region (190 respondents) reveals a different picture: João Rodrigues leads with 48.3% while Mello holds 41.7%; Merisio receives 8.3% and the remaining candidates stay below 2%. Rejection rates are higher for Merisio (43.9%) and lower for Mello (21.7%) in the West, compared with statewide figures of 27.1% rejection for Mello. Both polls indicate that a first‑round victory is possible for Mello if the statewide trend persists.