In tomorrows runoff elections 51 Brazilian cities will pick new local officials - a vote thats reshaping the nations political map ahead of 2026s big race
The right-wing movement shows strong numbers in 15 state capitals where Jair Bolsonaroʼs Liberal Party keeps getting more power; despite him being side-lined from politics until the end of this decade. Meanwhile Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvaʼs Workers Party isnt doing so well (his popularity went down and he got hurt last week which kept him away from supporting candidates)
The main fight is happening in Sao Paulo - Brazils biggest city where Mayor Ricardo Nunes who got Bolsonaroʼs backing leads against left-wing Guilherme Boulos: even a recent 6-day blackout didnt hurt Nunes chances that much. The citys race might show whats coming in 2026; proving right-wing ideas are still strong here
The right-wing camp has its own issues though with different groups fighting for power:
* Some Bolsonaro fans split between Nunes and far-right social media star Pablo Marcal
* In Goiania theres a fight between Liberal Party and more middle-ground right-wing forces
* The north-east city Fortaleza sees a close race between left and right candidates
Earlier this month first-round voting helped center-right parties while Lulaʼs group didnt win in any state capitals - showing how much things changed since he won presidency about two years ago