Rio Grande do Norte finalizes eight candidates for 2026 gubernatorial election

The state of Rio Grande do Norte has officially confirmed eight candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Democratic Christian Party (DC) registered Carlos Alberto de Almeida Cavalcante, who will appear on the ballot as Carlos Jararaca. The other candidates, in order of registration, are Allyson Bezerra (União), Álvaro Dias (PL), Cadu Xavier (PT), Robério Paulino (PSOL), Arinalda Medeiros (UP), Dário Barbosa (PSTU) and Rodrigo Bolsonaro (Agir).

All candidates must submit their registration requests to the Electoral Court by 15 August, and campaign advertising will be permitted starting the following day. The major coalition “Esperança e Trabalho,” comprising União Brasil, PP, MDB, PSD, Republicanos, Avante, Solidariedade and PRD, backs Allyson Bezerra, who will run with state deputy Hermano Morais (MDB) as his vice‑candidate. The opposition coalition “Time que Cuida,” formed by PT, PV, PCdoB, PSB and PDT, supports Cadu Xavier, with former state deputy Larissa Rosado (PSB) as his running mate. Senate tickets linked to the two coalitions were also announced, featuring incumbent senator Zenaide Maia (PSD) and local councilor Tércio Tinôco (União Brasil) for the “Esperança e Trabalho” alliance, and PT’s Samanda Alves with former federal deputy Rafael Motta for the “Time que Cuida” alliance.