São Paulo governor race tightens as Flávio Bolsonaro allies with Nunes

Flávio Bolsonaro's pre‑campaign is seeking the backing of São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes to open the city’s peripheral electorate, where Nunes secured strong support in the last municipal runoff. The strategy also counts on the endorsement of Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who is aiming to extend his appeal across the state.

The recent withdrawals of Kim Kataguiri and Paulo Serra have sharpened the contest into a clear showdown between incumbent Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) and former minister Fernando Haddad (PT). Polls now show Tarcísio leading with roughly 45‑46% of the vote while Haddad trails in the mid‑30s, raising expectations of a first‑round victory.

Tarcísio is also emphasizing a partnership with Nunes despite recent investigations into the mayor’s Wi‑Fi contract, positioning the alliance as a benefit for the capital’s residents. The combined effect of the withdrawals and these alliances is reshaping the electoral calculus ahead of the October 2026 gubernatorial election in Brazil’s most populous state.