Brazilian parties forge alliances for 2026 state elections
The Workers' Party (PT) confirmed support for PSD vice‑governor Laurez Moreira in Tocantins, strengthening President Lula’s front‑wide coalition in the North. In the Federal District, PSD president Gilberto Kassab publicly backed former governor José Roberto Arruda for the 2026 governorship and urged businessman Paulo Octávio to consider a Senate run.
In Maranhão, the centre‑right MDB rallied behind pre‑candidate Orleans Brandão, with Union Brasil reaffirming its endorsement after a brief dispute over former PP senator André Fufuca. The party also organized a meeting of its legislative candidates. Meanwhile, in Goiás, Liberal Party (PL) leaders defended the pace of their campaign and projected victories for governor‑candidate Wilder Morais and Senate hopefuls Gustavo Gayer and Flávio Bolsonaro.
In Minas Gerais, President Lula visited the state after Senator Rodrigo Pacheco withdrew his candidacy, signalling that the PT may run its own ticket; pre‑candidate Gabriel Azevedo (MDB) announced economist Marcos Lisboa as his future finance secretary. Across these states, parties are aligning candidates, securing Senate tickets, and consolidating regional support ahead of the 2026 elections.