Mato Grosso governors race intensifies as parties clash over candidacies and projects

Governor Otaviano Pivetta (Republicanos) announced a “water alliance” to address Várzea Grande’s long‑running water shortage, saying he will not accept a situation in which residents lack basic water services. He pledged a plan to expand supply and criticised previous administrations for “lack of humanism”.

The Liberal Party (PL) rejected pressure from Republicanos to withdraw its pre‑candidate senator Wellington Fagundes from the gubernatorial race, asserting that his candidacy is “sacramented” and will be formalised at the party convention.

Senator Jayme Campos (União Brasil) also dismissed the idea of supporting a “borrowed” candidate, stating “O União não precisa de candidato emprestado” and urging party members to back an own gubernatorial ticket. He further condemned the proposed location of a new municipal hospital in Várzea Grande, warning that “the roar of airplanes will kill all patients” at the site next to the airport.

These statements reveal a deepening contest among Republicanos, PL and União Brasil over who will lead Mato Grosso in the 2026 elections, with each party emphasizing autonomy and criticizing rival proposals.