Rio Grande do Sul gubernatorial candidates Zucco and Brizola tie in polls

In Rio Grande do Sul, the race for governor has reached a technical tie between federal deputy Luciano Zucco (PL) and Juliana Brizola (PDT). According to Real Time Big Data polling, Zucco holds 36% of the voting intentions compared to Brizola's 35%, a difference within the 2% margin of error.

In a simulated second-round runoff between the two, the candidates are numerically tied at 44% each. Both candidates would defeat the current vice-governor, Gabriel Souza (MDB), in head-to-head matchups. Zucco leads the right-wing bloc, while Brizola represents the progressive front.

Separately, in the municipality of Arroio do Sal, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-RS) has ordered new elections for mayor and vice-mayor to be held on October 25, 2026. This follows the unanimous revocation of the mandates of Luciano Pinto da Silva and Valdir Cenci due to findings of economic power abuse and illicit campaign spending involving unrecorded PIX transfers.

In other regional news, Luciano Zucco expressed support for judicial investigations and parliamentary inquiries, stating he favors investigations “doa a quem doer” (no matter who it hurts) regarding political conduct.