Center and Center-Right Parties Dominate 18 State Legislatures in Brazil, Left Holds Only 15%

A study by political scientist Murilo Medeiros from the University of Brasília highlights the dominance of center and center-right parties in Brazil’s state legislatures.

These parties now control 17 of the 27 legislative assemblies across states and the Federal District. The centrist MDB (Brazilian Democratic Movement) and União Brasil emerged as the biggest winners, each securing five presidencies.

The MDB claimed leadership in Pará, Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Piauí, and the Federal District—three of which align with its governorships. União Brasil took presidencies in Goiás and Amazonas, where it governs, and also in Rio de Janeiro, Amapá, and Espírito Santo.

Meanwhile, left-leaning parties like PT (Workers’ Party), PSB (Brazilian Socialist Party), and PDT (Democratic Labor Party) managed to secure control in only four states.

Medeiros noted that this shift reflects a growing regional influence of conservative parties while leftist representation remains minimal. He predicts that centrist forces will likely dominate future elections for both state legislatures and the federal Chamber of Deputies.

In most states, legislative presidents align closely with governors, ensuring smoother coordination between branches. Medeiros’ research shows that 70% of assemblies elected their presidents unanimously with single slates.

Political Tensions and Alliances Across Brazilian States

However, Maranhão stood out with a rare tie between Iracema Vale (PSB) and Othelino Neto (Solidariedade), resolved by age in favor of Vale. Some states faced unique challenges. In Minas Gerais, Governor Romeu Zema (Novo) struggled to secure an ally for the legislature’s presidency.

He ultimately supported Tadeu Martins Leite (MDB), who has adopted an independent stance. This independence has complicated Zema’s agenda, stalling privatization plans and forcing him to issue decrees to control spending.

Tensions also surfaced in Pernambuco between Governor Raquel Lyra (PSDB) and Assembly President Álvaro Porto (PSDB). Porto’s offhand criticism of Lyra’s speech sparked controversy, prompting her to accuse him of political gender violence.

Notably, União Brasil and MDB lead with five presidencies each, followed by Republicanos and PSD with four. The PT and PL—key players in Brazil’s recent polarizing presidential race—secured just one presidency each.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the PT assumed leadership through a rotation agreement but remains in opposition to Governor Eduardo Leite (PSDB).