São Paulo Senate Election: Candidates and First Polls

The 2026 São Paulo Senate race gained prominence after the release of a Datafolha poll, which showed a technical tie between former Minister Marina Silva (Rede) and former Senator Simone Tebet (PSB). The election, scheduled for October 4th, will define two seats to be occupied by candidates serving eight-year terms.

Who Is Running for Senate in São Paulo

The official list includes fifteen names, among them parliamentarians, former ministers, businesspeople, and professors. Candidates include André do Prado (PL), state deputy; Guilherme Derrite (PP), federal deputy and former Secretary of Public Security; Ricardo Salles (Novo), federal deputy and former Minister of the Environment; and Marina Silva (Rede), former senator and former Minister of the Environment. Also appearing are names such as Dr. Eliana Ferreira (PSTU), Ednelson Cesaretti (PCO), Geraldo Rufino (Podemos), Guto Schiavetto (Missão), Maíra de Souza and Márcio Alves (Unidade Popular), Soninha Francine (Cidadania), William Teixeira (Agir), and Petter Maahs (PCB).

Datafolha Poll Results

According to the poll released on September 11, Marina Silva and Simone Tebet lead with 13% of voting intentions each. André do Prado follows with 11%, and Guilherme Derrite with 10%. Among the others, Ricardo Salles appears with 5%, while Geraldo Rufino and Guto Schiavetto each have 3%. Candidates from Cidadania, Unidade Popular, PSTU, Agir, and others register 2% or less. The margin of error is two percentage points, and 18% of respondents declared a blank or no vote.

How Senators Are Chosen

In 2026, São Paulo will elect two senators, unlike the 2022 election, when only one seat was contested. Each voter can choose two names in the same ballot. There is no second round; the two seats are decided directly on October 4th, with the two most voted candidates being elected for eight-year terms.

First Round Expectations

With the poll indicating a tie between Marina Silva and Simone Tebet, the race appears competitive. Other candidates can still gain ground, especially those who have held federal executive positions or have a strong regional presence. The final outcome will depend on voter mobilization at the polls on October 4th, when president, governor, federal, and state deputies will also be decided.

With information from VEJA, Metrópoles.