Rio de Janeiro pre‑candidates for governor and Senate announced

Eleven pre‑candidates have emerged for the Rio de Janeiro governorship and seven for the Federal Senate ahead of the October 2026 general elections. The list includes André Marinho (Novo), André Português (Republicanos), Anthony Garotinho (Republicanos), Cyro Garcia (PSTU), Douglas Ruas (PL), Eduardo Paes (PSD), Juliete Pantoja (Unidade Popular), Luan Monteiro (PCO), Rafa Luz (Missão), William Siri (PSOL) and Wilson Witzel (Democrata) for the governor’s race, and Benedita da Silva (PT), Helio Secco (Missão), Monica Benicio (PSOL), Pedro Paulo (PSD) and Waguinho (Republicanos) for the Senate. Party conventions to officially nominate the candidates will be held between 20 June and 5 August, as scheduled by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). Even before the conventions, pre‑candidates may raise campaign funds, publicise proposals in interviews, debates and on social media, travel across the state and meet with economic, social and local leaders.

These activities are permitted under electoral rules that allow candidates to promote their potential candidacies without directly soliciting votes. Voters in Rio will choose a president, governor, federal and state deputies, and for the first time, two senators in the upcoming election.