# Bahia 2026 Elections: Candidates and Polling Trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-2026-election-campaign > Updated: 2026-09-12T14:58:47.000Z. Sources: 155. Developments: 19. The Bahia 2026 gubernatorial race remains highly competitive, characterized by divergent polling and intensifying policy debates. While an Opnus poll placed Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT) at 43% against ACM Neto (União Brasil) at 40%, a DataTrends survey suggests a technical tie with Neto at 43% and Rodrigues at 41%. Candidates have begun clashing over public health platforms. Rodrigues is emphasizing regionalization and digital health through his ‘Saúde na Palma das Mãos’ program. Conversely, Neto proposes restructuring management through private sector partnerships. Rodrigues has criticized Neto as the ‘anti-Lula in Bahia,’ accusing him of attempting to benefit from President Lula’s popularity while remaining oppositional. To bolster his re-election bid, Rodrigues has secured endorsements from various municipal leaders. In Guanambi, Mayor Nal Azevedo highlighted the benefits of state-municipal cooperation in infrastructure and health, while in Itaberaba, Mayor João Filho cited R$ 68.16 million in state investments as a driver for a projected historic victory. ACM Neto has intensified his critique of the incumbent, arguing in Buerarema that Rodrigues represents a political group that has held power in Bahia for 20 years, while questioning the government's performance in public health and security. Recently, the Regional Electoral Court of Bahia (TRE-BA) cleared Neto in a legal action regarding an incident involving semi-nude women during a campaign parade, ruling there was no evidence he had prior knowledge of the act. However, the court maintained sanctions against the ‘Unidos para Mudar a Bahia’ coalition and state deputy Emerson Penalva, reaffirming a prohibition against using semi-nude women as campaign props. In the municipality of Barra, Neto has challenged the Governor’s record, visiting a site intended for a polyclinic and accusing Rodrigues of making ‘false promises’ because the location lacks workers and equipment despite being announced two years ago. ## Claims - The TRE-BA received 1,206 candidacy registration requests for the 2026 elections. (disputed by 3 sources) - ACM Neto denied encouraging voters to combine a vote for him with support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. (corroborated by 3 sources) - ACM Neto reaffirmed his support for Ronaldo Caiado for the presidency. (corroborated by 3 sources) - ACM Neto promised to hold public exams to reinforce technical staff at Inema and Sema. (corroborated by 3 sources) - ACM Neto pledged to reorganize the state structure for technical assistance and rural extension. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 632 requests were for state deputy positions. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 529 requests were for federal deputy positions. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The largest age group among candidates is 45 to 49 years old. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 639 candidates have completed higher education. (corroborated by 2 sources) - ACM Neto inaugurated his campaign committee in Salvador. (single source) - The number of requests in Bahia is 29.8% lower than in 2022. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Jerônimo Rodrigues holds political rally in Bahia Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues held a political rally in Prado for 10,000 people, advocating for his administration's social policies and the continuity of the political group aligned with President Lula. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jernimo-rodrigues-holds-political-rally-in-bahia ### 2026-09-10: ACM Neto faces legal acquittal and political disputes in Bahia ACM Neto faces various political developments in Bahia, including a legal acquittal by TRE-BA regarding a campaign parade incident and accusations against Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues over unfinished public work 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-cleared-by-court-in-bahia-campaign-incident ### 2026-08-31: ACM Neto criticizes Bahia Governor and postpones Salvador event Gubernatorial candidate ACM Neto criticized Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues's message of change in Bahia, while also postponing a Salvador campaign event due to heavy rain. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-criticizes-bahia-governor-and-postpones-salvador-event ### 2026-08-30: Bahia mayors endorse Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues for re-election Mayors in Bahia, including those of Guanambi and Itaberaba, have endorsed Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues for re-election, citing successful state-municipal partnerships in health and infrastructure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-mayors-endorse-governor-jernimo-rodrigues-for-re-election ### 2026-08-23: Brazil electoral polls show tight races in Alagoas and Bahia Polls show tight electoral races in Alagoas and Bahia, with technical ties for governorships and Senate seats in both states as the 2026 elections approach. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-gubernatorial-race-shows-split-polling-results ### 2026-08-19: Bahia TRE-BA receives 1,206 candidacy requests for 2026 elections The TRE-BA has received 1,206 candidacy requests for the 2026 elections in Bahia, a 29.8% decrease from 2022. Most requests are for state and federal deputy positions. 87 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-political-activity-intensifies-ahead-of-2026-elections ### 2026-08-19: ACM Neto inaugurates campaign committee in Salvador Bahia gubernatorial candidate ACM Neto inaugurated his Salvador campaign committee and denied encouraging split voting with Lula, while reaffirming support for Ronaldo Caiado. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-inaugurates-campaign-committee-in-salvador ### 2026-08-16: Bahia gubernatorial candidates clash over health plans and political ties Bahia gubernatorial candidates Jerônimo Rodrigues and ACM Neto clash over political alignments and healthcare plans as the election approaches. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-launches-bahia-gubernatorial-campaign ### 2026-08-12: Bahia 2026 gubernatorial candidates confirmed Six candidates have been confirmed for the 2026 Bahia gubernatorial election, including ACM Neto, Jerônimo Rodrigues, and Aroldo Félix de Azevedo Júnior. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-2026-gubernatorial-candidates-confirmed ### 2026-08-11: Brazil election activity intensifies across Bahia, Ceará, and Santa Catarina Brazilian political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 elections, with key developments in Bahia, Ceará, and Santa Catarina involving campaign launches, polling, and asset disclosures. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-expands-bahia-campaign-through-debates-and-youth-outreach ### 2026-08-09: Bahia Governor defends security record during political debate In a recent debate, Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues defended his security investments and reported falling violence rates, while opponent ACM Neto criticized the administration's results. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-governor-defends-security-record-during-political-debate ### 2026-08-02: Bahia Governor Race Tightens in Brazil's 2026 State Elections Polls show ACM Neto leading the Bahia governor race; Jerônimo Rodrigues holds 55% approval. AI use in Neto’s plan flagged, and the electoral court ordered removal of misleading AI‑generated videos. Debates set 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cear-gubernatorial-candidates-hold-first-2026-debate ### 2026-08-01: Jerônimo Rodrigues Officially Launches Campaign for Bahia Governorship Jerônimo Rodrigues was officially nominated for Bahia governor at a Salvador convention, joined by vice‑governor candidate Geraldo Júnior, former governors for Senate, a cultural parade led by Minister Margreth 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jernimo-rodrigues-officially-launches-campaign-for-bahia-governorship ### 2026-07-29: ACM Neto Secures Political Backing While Expanding Campaign Platform ACM Neto, Bahia’s governor candidate, claimed political backing from bank owner Daniel Vorcaro while launching a security‑focused campaign with new education and job programs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-secures-political-backing-while-expanding-campaign-platform ### 2026-07-26: ACM Neto Takes Lead in Bahia Governor Race Over Incumbent Jerônimo Rodrigues ACM Neto claims growing support in Bahia, saying former Jerônimo Rodrigues voters are switching sides; a poll puts him at 49.2% versus Rodrigues' 37.5% as the state governor race intensifies. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-takes-lead-in-bahia-governor-race-over-incumbent-jernimo-rodrigues ### 2026-07-26: Brazilian gubernatorial candidates ACM Neto and Renan Filho unveil health and education programmes Bahia candidate ACM Neto proposes a Pix Saúde scheme to fund private care, while Alagoas pre‑candidate Renan Filho offers a merit‑based scholarship and education upgrades. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-gubernatorial-candidates-acm-neto-and-renan-filho-unveil-health-and-education-programmes ### 2026-07-23: ACM Neto's Bahia campaign gains momentum with convention and policy pledges ACM Neto was officially nominated as Bahia's governor candidate, pledging a Pix Saúde health program. Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues confirmed Lula's attendance at the August 1 convention, while Zé Cocá warned a J 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acm-neto-secures-bahia-governorship-nomination-as-convention-draws-massive-crowd ### 2026-07-20: ACM Neto launches Bahia governorship bid with “Change with Security” coalition ACM Neto declared his run for Bahia governor with the “Change with Security” platform, naming Zé Cocá as running mate and announcing Senate candidates. President Lula confirmed his attendance at the PT rally to 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahia-parties-confirm-candidates-and-alliances-for-upcoming-state-election ### 2026-07-10: Brazilian politicians endorse candidates ahead of 2026 elections Regional leaders in Bahia and Pernambuco endorsed ACM Neto for governor and Silvio Costa Filho for federal deputy, respectively, ahead of Brazil's 2026 elections. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-politicians-endorse-candidates-ahead-of-2026-elections --- Cite as: Bahia 2026 Elections: Candidates and Polling Trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-2026-election-campaign