# São Paulo 2026: De Freitas leads amid funding and legal rows

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/so-paulo-2026-election-campaign
> Updated: 2026-09-05T13:01:00.000Z. Sources: 281. Developments: 45.

The São Paulo gubernatorial race remains centered on polling leads for Tarcísio de Freitas and intensifying allegations of corruption. Fernando Haddad has escalated attacks, accusing de Freitas of receiving R$ 2 million from Banco Master during the 2022 election. Haddad specifically cited a donation from Fabiano Zettel, brother-in-law of investigated businessman Daniel Vorcaro, characterizing the bank’s connections as a ‘mafia’ formed during the Bolsonaro administration.

Haddad has also attacked the administration’s fiscal management, alleging state cash reserves plummeted from R$ 22 billion to R$ 5 billion, contributing to a budget deficit. He further cited declining education rankings and increased wait times in the Unified Health System (SUS) as signs of mismanagement. De Freitas has dismissed the funding claims as ‘ridiculous,’ maintaining that state credit services were established before his mandate.

Expanding his critique to the judiciary, de Freitas has criticized the Supreme Federal Court (STF) for conflicting decisions regarding the leadership of the Federal Police. He argued these judicial inconsistencies create legal insecurity, suggesting the upcoming election could become a ‘plebiscite on legal security.’

Additionally, de Freitas’s campaign faces scrutiny regarding his claims about the end of ‘Cracolândia,’ with critics arguing government actions have merely dispersed drug users across the city rather than resolving the issue. Meanwhile, de Freitas expressed support for investigations into the film ‘Dark Horse,’ a project about former President Jair Bolsonaro, emphasizing the need for transparency.

## Claims

- Fernando Haddad holds 27% of the voting intentions in the first round. (disputed by 11 sources)
- In a simulated second round, Tarcísio de Freitas would receive 54% of the votes against Haddad's 35%. (disputed by 10 sources)
- In a first-round poll, Tarcísio de Freitas holds 50% of voting intentions, while Fernando Haddad has 33.8%. (disputed by 8 sources)
- In a direct second-round runoff, Tarcísio de Freitas reaches 53% compared to 36.9% for Fernando Haddad. (disputed by 6 sources)
- Fernando Haddad was officially nominated as PT candidate for governor of São Paulo. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Haddad criticized incumbent governor Tarcísio de Freitas on security, education and privatizations of Sabesp and CPTM. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- In a Datafolha poll, Tarcísio de Freitas leads the São Paulo gubernatorial race with 45% of the vote. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Márcio França (PSB) was confirmed as the vice‑governor running mate of Fernando Haddad. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the PT convention in Campinas. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Governor Tarcísio de Freitas announced his candidacy for re‑election as governor of São Paulo at a Republicanos convention on 1 August. (corroborated by 10 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Fernando Haddad accuses Tarcísio de Freitas of receiving Banco Master funds

São Paulo gubernatorial candidate Fernando Haddad accused Governor Tarcísio de Freitas of receiving illegal campaign funds from Banco Master and criticized the state's declining fiscal health and public sectors

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-accuses-tarcsio-de-freitas-of-illegal-campaign-funding

### 2026-09-02: Tarcísio de Freitas leads São Paulo reelection polls amid bribery allegations

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas leads reelection polls with 51.1% against Fernando Haddad's 39.9%. He has also defended Sabesp privatization and denied bribery allegations linked to Daniel Vorcaro.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-defends-sabesp-privatization-and-addresses-sefaz-sp-corruption

### 2026-08-31: Tarcísio de Freitas receives R$ 500,000 individual campaign donations

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has received individual campaign donations of up to R$ 500,000, significantly outpacing the largest individual contributions to Fernando Haddad.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-receives-r-500000-individual-campaign-donations

### 2026-08-31: Fernando Haddad outlines security and fiscal proposals for São Paulo

São Paulo gubernatorial candidate Fernando Haddad proposes creating an anti-faction agency, cutting public costs by 20%, and reviewing major privatization contracts while criticizing Tarcísio de Freitas.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-outlines-so-paulo-campaign-platform-and-funding

### 2026-08-28: Fernando Haddad addresses ‘TarLula’ voting trend in São Paulo

Fernando Haddad claims the ‘TarLula’ voting trend in São Paulo reflects a desire to avoid Flávio Bolsonaro rather than a direct preference for Tarcísio de Freitas.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-addresses-tarlula-voting-trend-in-so-paulo

### 2026-08-26: São Paulo gubernatorial candidates clash in electoral debut

São Paulo's gubernatorial candidates Tarcísio de Freitas and Fernando Haddad have debuted their electoral propaganda, clashing over security, infrastructure, and management efficacy.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-to-invest-r-2-billion-in-billings-reservoir-sanitation

### 2026-08-24: Tarcísio de Freitas leads São Paulo gubernatorial polls

Polling shows Tarcísio de Freitas leading the São Paulo gubernatorial race over Fernando Haddad. Haddad proposes reviewing state contracts but rejects re-nationalizing Sabesp.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-leads-so-paulo-gubernatorial-race-in-new-poll

### 2026-08-20: Tarcísio de Freitas leads São Paulo gubernatorial race in Datafolha poll

Datafolha polls show Tarcísio de Freitas leading the São Paulo gubernatorial race with 45% against Fernando Haddad's 27%. De Freitas would win a second round with 54% to 35%.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-defends-rail-concession-and-explains-political-neutrality

### 2026-08-18: Tarcísio de Freitas leads São Paulo gubernatorial polls amid infrastructure debates

Tarcísio de Freitas leads the São Paulo gubernatorial race with 50% of voting intentions, ahead of Fernando Haddad (33.8%). Debates focus on Sabesp privatization, infrastructure, and future political ambitions.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-defends-sabesp-privatization-amid-political-criticism

### 2026-08-16: São Paulo 2026 election poll shows Tarcísio de Freitas and Marina Silva leading

A Vox Brasil poll for the 2026 São Paulo elections shows Tarcísio de Freitas leading the governorship race, while Marina Silva and Simone Tebet lead the contest for Senate seats.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-2026-election-poll-shows-tarcsio-de-freitas-and-marina-silva-leading

### 2026-08-15: Tarcísio de Freitas launches São Paulo reelection campaign

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas launched his São Paulo reelection campaign in Osasco, focusing on women's rights, digital government, and metropolitan security to counter opponent Fernando Haddad.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-launches-campaign-with-womens-meeting-in-osasco

### 2026-08-12: Tarcísio de Freitas manages re-election and state policy in São Paulo

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas manages his re-election campaign, secures R$ 5.4 billion in federal loan guarantees, and addresses industrial tax benefits and state infrastructure issues.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-governor-addresses-sabesp-issues-and-federal-loan-dispute

### 2026-08-10: Tarcísio de Freitas and Fernando Haddad clash in São Paulo election debates

Candidates Tarcísio de Freitas and Fernando Haddad face off in a series of debates and interviews for the São Paulo governorship, focusing on security, privatization, and economic tax benefits.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-and-haddad-face-off-in-first-so-paulo-gubernatorial-debate

### 2026-08-10: Tarcísio de Freitas secures support from 38 São Paulo metropolitan mayors

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas secured support from 38 mayors in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region and appointed Diogo Soares to coordinate his reelection campaign efforts in the area.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-secures-support-from-38-so-paulo-metropolitan-mayors

### 2026-08-10: Brazilian political campaigns intensify in Bahia and São Paulo

Brazilian political campaigns intensify as Jerônimo Rodrigues targets ACM Neto with old footage of Lula attacks, and Fernando Haddad clashes with Tarcísio de Freitas over crime allegations in São Paulo.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-political-campaigns-intensify-in-bahia-and-so-paulo

### 2026-08-05: Fernando Haddad reshapes São Paulo campaign amid vice‑candidate controversy and policy push

Fernando Haddad criticises Flávio Bolsonaro’s vice pick, calls for transparency on Lulinha probes, and unveils a São Paulo plan modeled on federal and European policies, while softening attacks on Governor Tarc

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-says-he-wont-wear-trump-maga-hat-again-after-us-tariffs-on-brazil

### 2026-08-01: Tarcísio de Freitas launches re‑election bid for São Paulo governorship

Tarcísio de Freitas was nominated by Republicanos on 1 Aug 2026 for São Paulo governor re‑election, with Felício Ramuth as VP, a 12‑party coalition, Flávio Bolsonaro present, support for Otaviano Pivetta, and a

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-secures-reelection-bid-for-so-paulo-governorship

### 2026-07-27: Tarcísio de Freitas Leads São Paulo Governor Race with Broad Party Alliance and Soninha Francine Senate Nomination

Tarcísio de Freitas leads the São Paulo governor race, backed by a coalition controlling over 60 % of municipalities; PSDB‑Cidadania backs his re‑election and Senate nominee Soninha Francine, who polls at 4.8 %

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-governor-tarcsio-de-freitas-secures-broad-party-support-and-dominates-election-air-time

### 2026-07-27: Fernando Haddad officially named São Paulo governor candidate

Fernando Haddad was officially nominated by the PT as São Paulo governor candidate, with Lula and Alckmin present, and he attacked rivals while defending Brazil’s electronic voting system.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-officially-named-so-paulo-governor-candidate

### 2026-07-25: Fernando Haddad declared PT’s São Paulo governor candidate

PT’s July 25 convention in Campinas named Fernando Haddad for São Paulo governor, with Márcio França as running mate, Lula’s attendance, a “Desperta SP” slogan, and warnings against foreign election meddling.

51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-launches-so-paulo-governor-campaign-in-campinas

### 2026-07-22: São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas Faces Opposition Criticism Over Education, Police Pay and Privatizations

São Paulo officials Luna Zarattini and Fernando Haddad criticize Governor Tarcísio de Freitas over education failures, low police pay, and chaotic privatized rail and water services ahead of the 2026 election.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-governor-tarcsio-de-freitas-faces-opposition-criticism-over-education-police-pay-and-privat

### 2026-07-18: Fernando Haddad attacks São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas and performs with Marina Silva

Fernando Haddad denounced São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas for regressions in public services and economic growth, then sang a Gilberto Gil song with Marina Silva during a campaign stop in São José do Rio

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-attacks-so-paulo-governor-tarcsio-de-freitas-and-performs-with-marina-silva

### 2026-07-16: Fernando Haddad attacks São Paulo Governor Tarcísio over US tariffs and security

Fernando Haddad condemned Governor Tarcísio’s support for US tariffs and unveiled a security plan targeting organized crime, theft and gender‑based violence in São Paulo.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-unveils-so-paulo-security-plan-challenges-tarcsio

### 2026-07-13: São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas faces PT campaign offensive

PT leaders Lula and Haddad target Governor Tarcísio de Freitas in São Paulo’s interior, tying him to Trump tariffs and security issues while smaller parties seek to erode both major candidates ahead of the 2026

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-faces-rising-opposition-in-so-paulo-election

### 2026-07-11: Fernando Haddad unveils security plan and attacks high Selic rate ahead of São Paulo campaign

Fernando Haddad, PT pre‑candidate for São Paulo governor, will unveil a security plan targeting organized‑crime finances and vulnerable groups, while also denouncing the Central Bank’s 14.25% Selic rate as a f

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-unveils-security-plan-and-attacks-high-selic-rate-ahead-of-so-paulo-campaign

### 2026-07-10: Fernando Haddad calls Tarcísio de Freitas' attack on Tebet and Marina a free aggression

Fernando Haddad denounced Governor Tarcísio de Freitas' criticism of Senate candidates Simone Tebet and Marina Silva as a free aggression, urging respectful debate amid a tight São Paulo race.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-calls-tarcsio-de-freitas-senate-critiques-a-free-attack

### 2026-07-10: Fernando Haddad says São Paulo governors Doria and Tarcísio were only passing through

Fernando Haddad says São Paulo’s governors Doria and Tarcísio were temporary, criticises the state's fiscal deficit and cites debt renegotiation and Sabesp sale that gave a R$13 bn boost.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-says-so-paulo-governors-doria-and-tarcsio-were-only-passing-through

### 2026-07-09: São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas Secures R$615 million for São Caetano and Leads Party Pre‑Election Rally

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas channels R$615 million into São Caetano projects and, with party leader Marcos Pereira, rallies Republicanos pre‑candidates ahead of elections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-governor-tarcsio-de-freitas-secures-r615-million-for-so-caetano-and-leads-party-preelection

### 2026-07-08: Governor Tarcísio de Freitas attacks Senate bids of Marina Silva and Simone Tebet

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas criticized Marina Silva and Simone Tebet’s Senate bids in São Paulo, prompting accusations of double standards and sexism; Haddad condemned the remarks as aggression against women.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/simone-tebet-defends-so-paulo-senate-bid-against-governor-tarcsios-criticism

### 2026-07-08: Fernando Haddad to Launch São Paulo Governorship Campaign in Campinas

PT will hold its São Paulo state convention in Campinas on 25 July, officially launching Fernando Haddad’s 2026 governor bid with Lula and Alckmin expected to attend; Haddad also warned of rising militia risks.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-launches-so-paulo-campaign-in-campinas-with-lula

### 2026-07-07: Marina Silva and Simone Tebet top Datafolha poll for São Paulo Senate race

Datafolha poll puts Marina Silva (18 %) and Simone Tebet (16 %) ahead in São Paulo’s 2026 Senate race; Lula faces a prosecutor’s claim of early‑campaign propaganda for backing them, while Governor Tarcísio de F

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marina-silva-leads-so-paulo-senate-race-in-datafolha-poll

### 2026-07-04: Tarcísio de Freitas tops São Paulo governor race poll at 46%

Datafolha poll finds São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas leading with 46% support versus Haddad’s 30%; approval of his administration sits at 45%, and security and health are top voter concerns.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-leads-so-paulo-governor-race-and-faces-ethics-complaint-over-sabesp-promotion

### 2026-07-03: Fernando Haddad launches São Paulo governor campaign in Ribeirão Preto

Fernando Haddad launched his São Paulo governor bid in Ribeirão Preto with Lula, then spoke at Unicamp about economic challenges and interior outreach.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-launches-so-paulo-governor-campaign-in-ribeiro-preto

### 2026-07-03: Fernando Haddad's Unicamp lecture disrupted by MBL protesters

During a July 2, 2026 lecture at Unicamp, PT pre‑candidate Fernando Haddad was interrupted by MBL protesters who shouted, insulted and caused a brief physical clash; the university and PT condemned the incident

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddads-unicamp-lecture-disrupted-by-mbl-protest

### 2026-07-01: São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas Faces Criticism Over Privatizations Amid Two‑Candidate Election

Fernando Haddad criticises Governor Tarcísio de Freitas’ privatizations as São Paulo’s election narrows to two candidates, a rare scenario where a tie would favor the older Haddad.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-governor-tarcsio-de-freitas-faces-criticism-over-privatizations-amid-twocandidate-election

### 2026-06-25: Marina Silva and Simone Tebet confirmed as joint Senate candidates for São Paulo

Marina Silva and Simone Tebet were confirmed as the PT‑PSB Senate ticket for São Paulo, highlighted for gender diversity and political unity ahead of the October elections.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marina-silva-and-simone-tebet-confirmed-as-senate-candidates-for-so-paulo

### 2026-06-23: Tarcísio de Freitas likely clinches São Paulo governorship in first round after rivals quit

Incumbent Tarcísio de Freitas is set to win São Paulo’s governorship in the first round after centre‑right rivals Kim Kataguiri and Paulo Serra withdrew, boosting his poll lead to about 49 %.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-likely-clinches-so-paulo-governorship-in-first-round-after-rivals-quit

### 2026-06-22: São Paulo politicians weigh candidacies for upcoming 2024 elections

Rafael Demarchi eyes a federal seat while José Genoinho backs Márcio França for São Paulo governor, amid strategic talks on alliances and campaign tactics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-politicians-weigh-candidacies-for-upcoming-2024-elections

### 2026-06-21: São Paulo governor race tightens as Flávio Bolsonaro allies with Nunes

Flávio Bolsonaro courts mayor Nunes while candidate withdrawals boost Governor Tarcísio's lead over Haddad in São Paulo's 2026 governor race.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarcsio-de-freitas-ramps-up-so-paulo-governor-campaign-amid-tight-race-with-haddad

### 2026-06-19: São Paulo Senate race heats up as André do Prado launches pre‑candidacy

André do Prado launched his Senate pre‑candidacy in São Paulo, backed by Tarcísio, Flávio and Eduardo Bolsonaro; polls show Marina Silva leading the Senate race and Tarcísio ahead in the governor’s race.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-urges-law-enforcement-on-jaques-wagner-as-vicecandidate-debate-intensifies

### 2026-06-15: Tarcísio de Freitas Faces Criticism Over Metro Contract Secrecy and Sabesp Privatization

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas defended privatizations and denied nostalgia for Lula, while Fernando Haddad criticised secret metro contracts and the Sabesp sale, sparking a heated political debate in Brazil.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-attacks-100year-secrecy-on-so-paulo-metro-line-6-contract-and-tarcsios-privatization

### 2026-06-12: São Paulo pre‑candidate Fernando Haddad to unveil program in June and attacks Tarcísio's contracts

Fernando Haddad will unveil his São Paulo program in June, while criticizing Tarcísio's railway contracts and the Sabesp privatization as harmful to consumers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-paulo-precandidate-fernando-haddad-to-unveil-program-in-june-and-attacks-tarcsios-contracts

### 2026-06-06: São Paulo candidate Fernando Haddad urges US security cooperation and flags $475 million contract probe

Fernando Haddad, São Paulo governor hopeful, calls for US security cooperation while condemning Governor Tarcísio’s alleged half‑billion‑real contract with a Delaware firm, sending the case to the public promp.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-urges-us-cooperation-on-crime-and-exposes-halfbillionreal-contract-tied-to-delaware-

### 2026-05-28: Fernando Haddad says Lula and Alckmin push to resolve São Paulo 2026 election slate while criticizing state security co‑

Fernando Haddad says Lula and Alckmin are directly negotiating São Paulo's 2026 ticket and condemns state officials for refusing federal cooperation on a crime‑fighting operation, also critiquing Sabesp privat‑

120 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-says-lula-and-alckmin-push-to-resolve-so-paulo-2026-election-slate-while-criticizing

### 2026-05-21: Fernando Haddad pledges education overhaul and urges quick definition of São Paulo ticket

Haddad says São Paulo high schools face a sharp decline and will adopt Federal Institutes' model, while Tabata Amaral pushes for a swift finalization of his running‑mate and Senate slate.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fernando-haddad-finalizes-so-paulo-ticket-slams-tarcsio-on-workhour-reform

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Cite as: São Paulo 2026: De Freitas leads amid funding and legal rows. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/so-paulo-2026-election-campaign