Doria could reach the presidency of a changing Brazil

Subject

A profile of Sao Paulo Mayor Joao Doria.

Significance

Since taking office as mayor of Sao Paulo in January, Joao Doria Junior has consolidated his position as a rising star in Brazilian politics. Although coming from one of Brazil’s largest parties, the centre-right Social Democrats (PSDB), Doria has built his image as an ‘outsider’. As such, the successful businessman and TV host stands out from a crowd of figures whose reputations have been devastated by sprawling corruption scandals. Facing no corruption allegations, Doria has -- in only a few months -- gone from never having contested an election to being widely seen as a serious contender for the presidency.

Impacts

• Doria could be a strong candidate, but the next presidential election remains wide open.
• He is well suited to becoming the candidate of choice for professionals and the aspiring middle class.
• Yet garnering votes in poor areas could prove challenging.