Polls show Celina Leão ahead in Federal District runoff

The Quaest poll released on Wednesday, October 21, shows Federal District governor Celina Leão (PP) at 50% of voting intentions in the runoff for the state government, against 35% for candidate Leandro Grass (PT). Compared with the previous survey conducted on October 12, Leão slipped from 53% to 50%, while Grass remained largely stable, rising from 33% to 35%.

A fresh Datafolha survey released Thursday, October 22, presented slightly stronger numbers for the governor. According to the institute, Celina Leão stands at 54%, while Leandro Grass reaches 37%. Another measurement by the same institute, this time counting only valid votes, puts Leão at 60% against 40% for Grass. The runoff vote will take place on Sunday, October 25.

TV Globo invited both candidates to a debate scheduled for Thursday evening, October 22, but Celina Leão declined to participate. In a statement, the governor thanked the network for the invitation and cited a prior commitment on the same date.

Instead of the debate, the broadcaster conducted an interview with Leandro Grass on Thursday. In the 20-minute conversation, the PT candidate promised to expand zero-fare public transport programmes in the capital and intensify action against femicide. Grass also outlined plans to expand social assistance and the network of community restaurants in the Federal District.

A similar situation occurred in another state. In Acre, Rede Amazônica had invited the two runoff candidates, Alan Rick (Republicanos) and Mailza Assis (PP), to a debate, but Mailza cancelled her participation. Alan Rick was interviewed by the broadcaster in a question-and-answer session held on Thursday.