Politics

Races for governor show widespread ticket-splitting in Brazil

Fernando Haddad (forefront) leads the governor's race in São Paulo, but haven't managed to attract all voters picking Lula, his political godfather, for president. The same happens to Bolsonaro-backed Tarcísio de Freitas (background). Photo: Allison Sales/FotoRua/Folhapress

In U.S. political jargon, “splitting the ticket” means voting for a Democrat in one race and a Republican in another. In Brazil, lending your vote to different parties in the same election is actually very common, even if there isn’t a specific name for it yet. Here’s a closer look at the races for governor in Brazil’s three most populous states — home to around 40 percent of the country’s voters.

Polls show millions of Brazilians intend to “split their ticket” on Election Day.

A three-way race in São Paulo

In Brazil’s wealthiest and most populous state, the incumbent, Rodrigo Garcia, is struggling to make the runoff against Fernando Haddad, who served as mayor of São Paulo city between 2013 and 2016. Mr. Garcia is battling for second with the former infrastructure minister in Jair Bolsonaro’s government, Tarcísio de Freitas.

Mr. Garcia was originally elected in 2018 as lieutenant governor on João Doria’s ticket. Mr. Doria intended to run for president and won the nomination of his Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), but quit after the party’s top...

Cedê Silva

Cedê Silva is a Brasília-based journalist. He has worked for O Antagonista, O Estado de S.Paulo, Veja BH, and YouTube channel MyNews.