Santa Catarina 2026 elections: Eight candidates launch campaigns

The 2026 election cycle for the governorship of Santa Catarina has officially commenced, with eight candidates registered to compete. The first round is scheduled for October 4, with a potential second round on October 25.

Incumbent Governor Jorginho Mello (PL) is seeking reelection with Adriano Silva (Novo) as his running mate. Mello has actively campaigned in Florianópolis and Joinville, defending the candidacy of Carlos Bolsonaro for the Senate. Other notable candidates include João Rodrigues (PSD), Gelson Merísio (PSB), and Marcelo Brigadeiro (Missão), who has outlined a platform focused on entrepreneurship and economic development.

Financial disclosures to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) reveal significant wealth disparities among the candidates. The 20 candidates vying for the governorship and two Senate seats in the state have declared a combined wealth of R$ 650.2 million. The highest declared asset belongs to Senate candidate Antídio Lunelli (MDB), with R$ 613.2 million, while gubernatorial candidate Laís Chaud (UP) reported R$ 518.45.