Vicentinho Júnior and Dorinha Head to Runoff in Tocantins

With 96.42% of ballot boxes counted, the first round of the 2026 General Elections made it clear that the Tocantins gubernatorial race will be decided on October 25. Senator Professora Dorinha of União Brasil and Federal Deputy Vicentinho Júnior of the PSDB advanced to the runoff with 45.70% and 43.77% of the valid votes, respectively.

What changes in the Tocantins gubernatorial race

Vicentinho Júnior, who cast his ballot at Faculdade Anhanguera Unopar in Palmas, stated that the following day would be just another normal day in politics, emphasizing that he did not attack anyone and that he remains respectful in his campaign.

The running mates on each ticket

On Dorinha's ticket, the running mate is Atos Gomes of Republicanos. For Vicentinho Júnior, the running mate is Amélio Cayres of the MDB.

Candidates left out of the runoff

Laurez Moreira of the PSD and Siqueira Campos Júnior of Democrata did not reach the 50% required to advance. Other candidates, such as Ataídes de Oliveira (Novo), Du Pereira (DC), and Witer Naves (PSOL), were also left out of the final tally.

Pre-election polling numbers

On the eve of the vote, Quaest reported that Professora Dorinha led with 46% of valid votes, followed by Vicentinho Júnior with 41% and Laurez Moreira with 11%. In a simulated runoff, the poll showed 44% for Dorinha and 44% for Vicentinho Júnior.

Tocantins Senate candidates

In addition to the gubernatorial race, Tocantins featured several candidates running for the Senate. PSDB Senate candidate Eduardo Gomes voted at Escola Vinícius de Moraes in Palmas. MDB Senate candidate Alexandre Guimarães voted in Araguaína. Other candidates in the race include Eli Borges (Republicanos) and Ronaldo Dimas (Podemos).

Security operations during the vote

The Integrated Command and Control Center of the State of Tocantins announced that active operational status for Operation Elections 2026 is underway. The Secretariat of Public Security, the Civil, Military, Federal, Federal Highway, and Penal Police forces, the Army, the Palmas Metropolitan Guard, Detran, the Military Fire Brigade, and the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) are participating in the operation.

Incidents involving electronic voting machines

Throughout voting day, the TRE-TO recorded 222 incidents, 208 of which were resolved. Six electronic voting machines had to be replaced before 4 p.m., and 14 incidents were still being addressed. Reported issues included power and water supply failures, absent poll workers who had been summoned, and other incidents.

What to expect from the runoff

The final outcome will be decided on October 25. Campaigns continue at a brisk pace, focusing on each candidate's platform and the push to mobilize undecided voters.

With information from G1, Folha de S.Paulo, Gazeta do Povo.