Mayors in Brazil plan temporary leaves to join 2026 election campaigns

Mayor Paulo Vitor Avelar of Jaraguá (União Brasil) is evaluating a brief licence from the municipal executive during the final days of the 2026 campaign. The leave would allow him to coordinate the Senate campaign of former first lady Gracinha Caiado. If approved, Vice‑Mayor Leomar Cardoso (MDB) would assume interim duties, with the municipality’s services remaining uninterrupted.

Mayor Abilio Brunini of Cuiabá (PL) announced a planned 15‑day absence from the mayoralty ahead of the municipal elections on 4 October to focus on the campaign of his wife, councilor Samantha Íris, for the state legislature. He cited a similar recent case where a municipal secretary stepped down to aid a campaign, underscoring the growing practice of elected officials taking short leaves to support allied candidates.