Bahia, Brazil’s fourth-largest electorate with roughly 11.3 million voters, will elect two senators in the 2026 general elections. The state’s share of the national Senate renewal sees two‑thirds of the 81‑seat upper house up for vote, amounting to 54 seats nationwide. Each successful candidate will serve an eight‑year term.
Brazil’s Senate electoral rules require voters to select two different candidates; marking the same name twice invalidates the second vote. This system aims to broaden representation while preventing vote‑concentration on a single individual.
The candidate list includes incumbent senators seeking re‑election and newcomers from various parties and coalitions. Angelo Coronel (Republicanos), currently a senator, runs under the “Unidos para Mudar a Bahia” coalition, which also comprises the PL, PSDB Cidadania federation, and smaller parties. João Roma (PL), an agribusiness producer, shares the same coalition.
On the centre‑left, Jaques Wagner (PT) and Rui Costa (PT) are both former governors and current senators, running together in the “Mais Bahia Mais Brasil” alliance that includes the PDT, MDB, PSB, PSD and the Brasil da Esperança federation.
Other contenders are Carlos Sodré (Mobiliza), Gregorio Gould (UP), Marcelo Carvalho (Rede), Marcelo Millet (PCO), Marcelo Santtana (DC) and Professora Delliana (PSOL). Most of these candidates run without formal coalition backing, according to the source.
Educational backgrounds vary: several candidates hold complete higher‑education degrees, while others have only completed high school. Occupations range from law and economics to teaching and agro‑production.
The elections will take place on 4 October 2026 for the first round, with a potential second round on 25 October if no candidate secures a majority in the presidential race. Senate results are decided in a single round, as the top two vote‑getters win the seats.
Bahia’s Senate contest reflects broader national trends, with established parties fielding experienced incumbents alongside newer movements seeking to break traditional dominance. Voters will weigh candidates’ records, policy positions and coalition support when deciding who will represent the state in Brazil’s upper house for the next eight years.