MARACAIBO, Venezuela — Pablo Pérez, the 42-year-old governor of oil-rich Zulia state, knows the risks of taking on President Hugo Chávez. Pérez’s predecessor in the governor’s mansion, Manuel Rosales, fled to Peru in 2009 amid corruption charges that surfaced after his failed presidential bid. And last year, Rosales’ chief of security was sentenced to 19 years on murder charges, just three months after winning a seat in Congress. 

Government critics say those allegations were trumped-up to sideline the popular politicians from this opposition stronghold. Even so, Pérez announced earlier this month that he hopes to take on the ailing Chávez in the 2012 race.

“I can’t turn my back on the country just because they’re going to come after me,” said Pérez, surrounded by pictures of his wife and three kids at the governor’s mansion. “It’s the risk that comes with the job.”

Even as he shuttles back and forth to Cuba to treat an undisclosed form of cancer, Chávez says he will run in next year’s race and “knock out” anyone the opposition might throw at him. Those claims aren’t empty, analysts say. 

Despite facing spiraling violence, an anemic economy and record-high inflation, Chávez commands fierce loyalty in this South American nation. In power for 12 years, he enjoys approval ratings near 50 percent. In addition, his government’s dominance over the judicial system, the national purse strings and a massive media operation mean he will be a formidable opponent even if his convalescence keeps him sidelined. 

On a recent weekday, Pérez was wearing a short-sleeve shirt, jeans and sneakers, as he prepared to walk the sweltering streets of Maracaibo. He said he plans to win over voters house-by-house. 

“This country needs a president who represents everyone,” he said. “And that includes Chávez’s supporters.”

During his three years as governor, Pérez has shown a penchant for the common touch. His communications staff scrolled through pictures of him wading through the mud, sharing coffee in the wooden shacks of Chávez sympathizers and helping an old lady wash dishes. There weren’t many pictures of the governor in a suit.

“He’s always out in the field,” a staffer said.

Pérez said his two main focuses are on healthcare and education. And he said he’s the only opposition candidate who can guarantee an orderly transition if Chávez loses. 

“I’m the only governor, the only elected official from the opposition that has had some sort of dialogue with the national government,” he said. “A real democracy needs a strong government but also an equally strong alternative point of view … There is no reason for Chávez’s supporters to be scared.”

There are no guarantees that Pérez will ever face Chávez at the polls. The coalition of opposition parties, known as the MUD, will hold a primary Feb. 12 to choose a single candidate. Pérez has vowed to respect the outcome but says he’s convinced he’ll win that vote.

But he has a long road ahead of him, said Luis Vicente León, the director of the Datanalisis polling firm. Before he announced his candidacy on Aug. 17, Pérez was running far behind the frontrunner, Henrique Capriles Radonski, the charismatic governor of Miranda state.