Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra's Senate Slate Stalemate

Governor Raquel Lyra (PSD) is working to keep three pre‑candidates in the Senate slot of her 2026 re‑election ticket. The first seat has been secured for deputy Túlio Gadêlha (PSD), while the second remains contested within the Federação União Progressista, the alliance of União Brasil and Progressistas.

Former Petrolina mayor Miguel Coelho (União Brasil) said the governor “preserves the three pre‑candidacies” and is seeking a legal solution that does not damage the political alliance. Lyra has indicated a personal preference for Coelho but told allies she would accept Eduardo da Fonte (PP) if the federation reaches a consensus. Eduardo da Fonte, who leads the PP bloc in the federation, maintains his own pre‑candidacy and has the backing of dozens of state deputies and mayors.

Lyra avoided the press after a day of behind‑the‑scenes negotiations, meeting with mayors, deputies and party leaders at the Palácio do Campo das Princesas. She hinted she could announce one, two or three Senate candidates, leaving the final decision pending the federation’s convention in the coming weeks.