Governor of Rio Grande do Sul

The governor of Rio Grande do Sul is the head of government of the state's executive branch, assisted by his secretaries, whom he freely chooses. Elected by absolute majority in universal suffrage, together with the vice-governor, his term lasts four years; since 1997, reelection has been possible, and although all have sought it, none has succeeded. The current governor is Eduardo Leite, since January 1, 2023.

The governor's place of work and residence is the Piratini Palace, built in the 20th century in Porto Alegre, the state capital. His powers are listed in the state and federal constitutions, which include the ability to sanction and veto bills passed by the Legislative Assembly, present budget proposals, issue decrees and regulations, and appoint occupants of hundreds of positions. As the commander in chief of the state security forces, he appoints the commanders and senior officers of the Military Brigade, the Civil Police, and the Fire Department.

The position has its origins in the 18th century. The first governors had broad powers, ranging from military to judicial functions. The Portuguese monarchy chose the region's administrators from 1737 until Brazil's Independence in 1822, when the province's governors were appointed by the Emperor. After the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, the state began to directly elect its governors, except in dictatorial times. The term "governor" has been in use uninterruptedly since the 1930s, but had already been used from 1761 to 1809. Two governors of Rio Grande do Sul were presidents of Brazil: Deodoro da Fonseca and Getúlio Vargas.