Brazil Elects 20 Governors in First Round, A Record this Century - 05/10/2026 - Brazil - Folha de S.Paulo

The first round of Brazil’s elections ended with at least 20 governors elected, the highest number this century, surpassing 2010 (18) and 2006 (17). Five states and the Federal District will hold runoffs.

The total could rise to 21 with Rio de Janeiro, where Douglas Ruas will be elected if Anthony Garotinho’s votes are declared null. The former governor is awaiting a ruling on his appeal against the rejection of his candidacy.

PL elected six governors, the highest number, followed by PSD with four and PT, PP and Republicanos with three each. The result points to gains by the right and the centrão.

The polarization between presidential candidates Lula (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) did not shape state-level races uniformly: in four states, the two leading candidates were from the Bolsonaro-aligned camp, while in the Northeast, center-right candidates avoided clashes with Lula.

No runoff will replicate the PT-PL contest at the state level.