Lula to Commission a Poll to Gauge the Electoral Potential of Two Prominent Female Candidates in Goiás

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is preparing to take strategic steps aimed at strengthening the left-wing bloc in the states ahead of the 2026 elections. According to leaked information from political circles, President Lula has decided to commission a comprehensive electoral poll to gauge the potential of two female leaders among the electorate in the state of Goiás (Goiás). This polling effort will be employed for City Council Member Aava Santiago (PSB) and Federal Deputy Adriana Accorsi (PT). Although no official invitation or definitive candidacy announcement has been made yet, the Brazilian left's effort to gain a more competitive position in the state is noteworthy. The development raises curiosity about the possible political alignment in the conservative-leaning state of Goiás in 2026.

The background of the decision lies in a crucial meeting held between President Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and the national president of the PT, Edinho Silva. During the meeting, Lula made a proposal encouraging Aava Santiago to run for a Senate seat in the 2026 elections. Santiago, who relayed details of the meeting, asked the PT leader if there was any basis for her to withdraw her candidacy. Upon Edinho Silva stating that they did not have such data, President Lula reportedly intervened directly and requested that research be conducted. Santiago, on the other hand, stated that she has no intention of abandoning her current political projects and primary election obligations so far.

On the other hand, during the discussions, the possibility of Federal Deputy Adriana Accorsi running in the Goiás state gubernatorial election was also put on the table. Party members and political analysts assess that Accorsi has strong public recognition in the state and a strong memory (recall) due to her past performance. A previously published Realtime Big Data survey had also indicated that Accorsi possesses serious electoral potential in the state. In contrast, the current gubernatorial candidate backed by the state party leadership, Luis César Bueno (PT), is thought to have projections that are not sufficiently strong. This internal perception paves the way for the party to want to try different names in the state.

Lula's strategic maneuver also directly contradicts the current candidate selection processes of the Goiás state party organization. Former Deputy Luis César Bueno had been approved by the state party directorate and designated as the official pre-candidate for the governorship. However, backstage sources argue that Bueno remaining in the background rather than being a public figure at the state level diminishes the left-wing front's chances. It is precisely these concerns regarding weak narrative and competitiveness that led Lula to seek new and stronger alternatives. Aiming to maximize the left-wing front's chances of taking power in the state, party leaders will be forced to revise their plans if the poll results turn against Bueno.

On Aava Santiago's side, the offer of a Senate run remains far from convincing and lacks concrete actions. Santiago states that because she plays a role in the PSB's ticket formation (chapa) process in the state, she has a responsibility towards her own party and her current candidacy plans. However, the pressure and encouragement from Ankara or a supra-party leadership still do not completely close the door to political maneuvers. The poll results, which are expected to be announced in the coming days, will be the most critical indicator determining the fate of the left-wing bloc in the state of Goiás. These political negotiations in Brazil's interior are interpreted as just one part of a broad strategic map designed to strengthen the left's hand in the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections, which will shape the country's trajectory.