Brazil elections: Cleitinho leads in Minas Gerais as Senate races heat up

Recent polling and campaign developments highlight the shifting landscape of the 2026 Brazilian elections in Minas Gerais and São Paulo. In Minas Gerais, Datafolha research shows Senator Cleitinho Azevedo leading the race for governor with 37% of the vote in the first round. He is followed by Patrus Ananias (13%) and Alexandre Kalil (11%). In simulated second-round scenarios, Cleitinho maintains a lead over both candidates.

In the Minas Gerais Senate race, an informal alliance known as ‘Marécio’ has emerged between Aécio Neves and Marília Campos among voters, despite official denials from both campaigns. Neves recently received support from Betim Mayor Heron Guimarães during a campaign event.

In São Paulo, the race for the Senate shows a technical tie between four candidates: Marina Silva (13%), Simone Tebet (13%), André do Prado (11%), and Guilherme Derrite (10%).