Paraíba election results show political shifts and changing legislative demographics

The 2026 elections in Paraíba have yielded significant shifts in political representation and campaign spending. In Zabelê, Lucas Ribeiro (PP) secured 84.14% of valid votes for governor, significantly outpacing Cícero Lucena (MDB), who received 8.01%. This result highlights the strong mobilization of the current governing group in the municipality.

Regarding the Assembleia Legislativa da Paraíba (ALPB), racial representation is set to decrease. Black representation is projected to fall from 36% in 2022 to 25% in the upcoming legislature, with nine Black deputies elected compared to thirteen previously. This shift is partly attributed to changes in racial self-declaration among several elected officials.

Campaign finance data from the TSE shows that Cícero Lucena and Lucas Ribeiro led in expenditures, with Lucena spending approximately R$ 6.45 million and Ribeiro approximately R$ 6.37 million. Ribeiro also led in total funds raised, totaling R$ 7.6 million.

Individual electoral trajectories also showed volatility. Julian Lemos saw his vote count drop by over 75% over eight years, while Pedro Matias secured the 3rd substitute position for the Chamber of Deputies following a strong performance in Belém. Additionally, newly elected deputy Mané Buchada (PL) has signaled his intention to vote independently in the upcoming election for the ALPB presidency.