Brazil sets 2026 election campaign spending limits, maintaining 2022 levels

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has established the campaign spending limits for the 2026 elections, keeping the figures consistent with those set in 2022. The decision, published in the Official Gazette of Justice, aims to maintain financial equilibrium among political parties and ensure inclusivity in electoral policies.

Presidential candidates face a spending cap of R$ 88,944,030 for the first round of voting. Should a second round be necessary, an additional R$ 44,472,015 can be spent. These amounts remain unchanged from the previous election cycle, largely due to the Special Campaign Financing Fund (FEFC) being maintained at R$ 4.9 billion.

Spending limits vary for other offices. Candidates for governor in São Paulo are capped at R$ 26.6 million for the first round, while those in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Minas Gerais have a limit of R$ 17.7 million. Senate campaigns can range between R$ 3.1 million and R$ 7.1 million. Federal deputy candidates have a limit of R$ 3.1 million, and state and district deputy candidates can spend up to R$ 1.2 million.

The TSE also released the number of eligible voters in each Brazilian municipality, which serves as the basis for calculating these spending limits and determining the maximum number of campaign staff. These regulations are guided by the Election Law (Law No. 9.504/1997) and TSE Resolution No. 23.607/2019. Exceeding these limits will result in penalties.

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a ausência de mudanças na legislação e a manutenção do Fundo Especial de Financiamento de Campanha (FEFC) em R$ 4,9 bilhões tornaram inadequada uma atualização dos limites.