Jerônimo Confirms 2026 Re‑Election Bid in Bahia After ACM Neto Enters Race

Overview

• ACM Neto (União Brasil) publicly launched his 2026 gubernatorial run on Dec. 22 in Porto Seguro with PL leader Valdemar Costa Neto voicing support.
• He pledged opposition to the PT at the national level, positioning himself as the leading challenger to the party’s long grip on Bahia.
• Bahia governor Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT) affirmed his pre-candidacy, discounted polling that shows him behind, and said his priority remains governing.
• Recent Real Time Big Data and Genial/Quaest surveys indicate Neto leading or competitive against Jerônimo in hypothetical 2026 matchups.
• In 2022 Jerônimo beat Neto 52.8% to 47.2% after a late shift linked to Lula’s strong vote in Bahia, a precedent shaping both strategies for 2026.