Elections 2026: understand the differences between state, federal deputy and senator
Positions in the Legislative Branch have different functions, duties, salaries and terms of office; know what each one does.
Quick Look
- In the 2026 elections, voters in Mato Grosso do Sul will choose state and federal deputies and senators.
- The report details the functions, spheres of activity, salaries and election rules for each position in the Legislative Branch.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
General elections in Brazil take place every four years to renew positions in the Legislative and Executive Branch.
Legislative Assembly of Mato Grosso do Sul. — Photo: Wagner Guimarães/Alems
In the 2026 elections, the people of Mato Grosso do Sul will have to choose state and federal deputies and senators who will answer for the state. Despite being part of the Legislature, the positions have different functions, duties and salaries.
In Mato Grosso do Sul, the salary is R$48,200:
R$34.7 thousand in subsidy;
R$ 13.4 thousand in assistance plan.
Although they are all parliamentarians, each one operates in a different sphere. The state deputy works in the Legislative Assembly; the federal deputy serves in the Chamber of Deputies; and the senator, in the Federal Senate.
What does a state deputy do?
The state deputy serves in the Legislative Assembly and is responsible, among other functions, for discussing and approving state laws and monitoring the actions of the state government.
The term of office is four years and the election takes place using the proportional system. In 2026, 1,035 state deputy vacancies will be filled across the country. In Mato Grosso do Sul, 24 state deputies will be chosen.
What does a federal deputy do?
The federal deputy works in the Chamber of Deputies, in Brasília. Among its functions are drafting and voting on federal laws, supervising the federal government and participating in the discussion and approval of the Union Budget.
The 513 deputies earn the same as the President of the Republic: R$46,366 thousand.
The term of office is also four years, and the election is through the proportional system. In 2026, 513 federal deputies will be elected. In Mato Grosso do Sul, 8 federal deputies will be chosen.
What is the difference between state deputy, federal deputy and senator?
The main difference is where each parliamentarian works and which issues are under their responsibility:
State deputy: works in the state's Legislative Assembly and is responsible for creating, discussing and voting on state laws, in addition to supervising the state government. The term of office is four years, and the election is proportional.
Federal deputy: works in the Chamber of Deputies, in Brasília, where he participates in the drafting of federal laws, approval of the budget and supervision of the federal government. The term of office is four years, and the election is also proportional.
Senator: represents the state in the Federal Senate and participates in the creation and voting of federal laws, in addition to analyzing proposals with greater impact, such as changes to the Constitution. The term of office is eight years, and the election is majority.
State and federal deputies are elected using the proportional system. Senators are chosen by the majority system: the candidate with the most votes is elected.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
General elections will take place in 2026 to choose parliamentarians.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Who will be the official candidates in 2026?
