ACM Neto Launches 2026 Bahia Governor Bid With PL Chief’s Support

Overview

• ACM Neto confirmed his candidacy at a Dec. 22 event in Porto Seguro, declaring he will run for governor in 2026.
• PL national president Valdemar Costa Neto attended the event and publicly backed Neto’s bid.
• Neto framed his run as the main opposition effort to the PT and said he will oppose the party at the national level.
• Recent surveys, including Real Time Big Data and Quaest, place Neto ahead or tied in simulated matchups against Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues.
• PT has governed Bahia since 2006, and Neto seeks a rematch after losing the 2022 runoff to Rodrigues by 52.8% to 47.2%.