The recent announcement of Douglas Ruas' (PL) pre-candidacy for the governor of Rio de Janeiro parallels the historical electoral contest of 1998 when César Maia faced off against Anthony Garotinho. In that election, Maia, known as the 'capital candidate' and then-mayor of Rio, was challenged by Garotinho, who represented the political strength of the Metropolitan Region and had significant influence in the Baixada Fluminense. The context of this election highlights the geographic and political divisions within the state, particularly the tensions between the urban capital and surrounding areas.

The composition of Ruas' campaign, which includes Rogério Lisboa (PP) as vice, suggests a strategic focus on leveraging the electoral power of the Metropolitan Region. This approach contrasts sharply with Garotinho's 1998 strategy, where despite having roots in the interior and Baixada, he chose a well-known candidate from the capital, Benedita da Silva, as his running mate to broaden his appeal. This tactical difference indicates Ruas’ intention to target and consolidate votes specifically from the metropolitan electorate rather than attempting to appeal to broader demographics.

Additionally, the article draws attention to the pitfalls of Maia's unsuccessful campaign, which was marred by his decision to form a strictly capital-centric ticket. His running mate, Gilberto Ramos, lacked the necessary political gravitas to resonate with voters outside the capital, ultimately costing him the election to Garotinho. This comparison serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of strategic alliances in electoral politics, emphasizing that Ruas and Lisboa's approach seeks to avoid the mistakes of past candidates by firmly rooting their campaign in the metropolitan voter base.