Poll Shows Technical Tie Between Zucco and Brizola in Rio Grande do Sul Governor Race

A new poll released by Quaest indicates a technical tie between Luciano Zucco of the Liberal Party (PL) and Juliana Brizola of the Democratic Labour Party (PDT) in the race for the governorship of Rio Grande do Sul. The survey, conducted between August 20 and 23 among 900 voters, shows Zucco with 26% of voter intentions, while Brizola garners 23%, placing them within the poll's 3-point margin of error.

Gabriel Souza of the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) trails with 9% of intentions, followed by Marcelo Maranata (PSDB) at 2% and Priscila Voigt (UP) at 1%. Cesar Pontes (PCO) and Rejane de Oliveira (PSTU) received less than 1%. Undecided voters constitute 27% of respondents, with 12% indicating blank or null votes.

The poll also simulated potential second-round matchups. In one scenario, Brizola leads Zucco 36% to 33%. In another, Brizola faces Souza with 32% to 24%. A third scenario pits Zucco against Souza, with Zucco leading 33% to 22%. These simulations suggest a highly competitive election, regardless of who advances to a runoff.

This finding aligns with a previous Quaest poll from July, which also suggested a technical tie between Brizola (24%) and Zucco (22%), with Souza at 6%. The close race underscores the uncertainty surrounding the gubernatorial election in Rio Grande do Sul, with a significant portion of the electorate still undecided.