Meet the Candidates for State and Federal Deputy from Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas

In the 2026 Brazilian elections, 50 candidates from favelas in the Greater Rio region have identified themselves in their registration requests. These individuals run for both state and federal deputy positions. Across the 1,944 candidate requests filed, favela residents make up 2.6% of candidates for state and federal deputy seats.

Among these 50 candidates, 26 are vying for a spot in the federal Chamber of Deputies, while the remaining 24 aim to represent the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (ALERJ). Despite their political affiliations, these favela-born leaders aim to bring the perspectives and experiences of their communities to the forefront of the election process.

However, it is important to note that an individual's background does not automatically guarantee representation for their community. The candidates listed below were identified through multiple sources, including the Superior Electoral Court, social media profiles, and community media outlets, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the favela candidates running in the 2026 elections.