[1] Incumbent Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão, who was running for his first full term, was forced into the runoff against Marcelo Crivella but ultimately won.

With his election in 2010, Cabral enjoyed high approval ratings until the 2013 protests in Brazil severely damaged his popularity.

[3] Following Cabral's resignation, Vice Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão succeeded him and announced his intent to run in the 2014 election.

Other candidates had launched their candidacies prior to Cabral's resignation: former Governor Anthony Garotinho of the Republic Party in April 2012[4] and Senator Lindberg Farias of the PT in November 2012.

PT supporters of Pezão include Niterói Mayor Rodrigo Neves and State Deputy Carlos Minc.