# Rio Grande do Sul 2026 election > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rio-grande-do-sul-2026-election > Updated: 2026-07-31T02:22:52.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. In late July 2026 the Rio Grande do Sul race moved from policy debates to concrete campaign steps. On 31 July the state‑level MDB convention in Porto Alegre nominated former vice‑governor Gabriel Souza as its gubernatorial candidate, stressing his local roots and legislative experience. The same day PT senator‑candidate Paulo Pimenta opened the “Espaço Pimenta” headquarters in Porto Alegre as the hub for his Senate campaign, joined by notable state figures. A week later, on 6 August, TV Gaúcha hosted a televised debate where gubernatorial and Senate pre‑candidates discussed public security, tax reform, state debt, infrastructure and the role of the Supreme Court, while voicing criticism of the federal government. The following week campaign infrastructure expanded: federal deputy Paulo Pimenta inaugurated a Senate campaign office, and the PSDB/Cidadania federation presented businessman Marcelo Maranata as its governor candidate, with a running mate and additional Senate tickets. These developments mark the shift from issue‑focused discussion to organized campaigning and the formalisation of candidate slates as the 2026 election approaches in Rio Grande do Sul. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: Brazil's 2026 election adds new governor and Senate hopefuls Brazil's 2026 election sees new governor and Senate candidates announced, including Gabriel Souza (RS), Sandro Alex (PR), Marcos Rogério (RO), Gustavo Antoniassi (federal deputy) and Paulo Pimenta (RS Senate). 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-grande-do-sul-election-campaign-launches-in-porto-alegre ### 2026-07-23: Rio Grande do Sul Senate and Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Key Issues Ahead of 2026 Election Rio Grande do Sul hosts Senate and gubernatorial pre‑candidate debates, covering security, tax reform, infrastructure and criticism of federal policies ahead of the 2026 elections. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-grande-do-sul-senate-and-gubernatorial-candidates-debate-key-issues-ahead-of-2026-election --- Cite as: Rio Grande do Sul 2026 election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rio-grande-do-sul-2026-election