PDT backs Lula's 2026 re‑election at national convention

On 20 July 2026 the Partido Democrático Trabalhista (PDT) held a national convention in Brasília. The party’s leadership, headed by former pension minister Carlos Lupi, voted unanimously to support President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s bid for a fourth term, becoming the first Brazilian party to formally endorse the incumbent. President Lula attended the event, addressed the delegates and, during his speech, warned that “traitors” were seeking U.S. punishment of Brazil, a remark that sparked criticism. While the national party pledged backing for Lula, some state branches – such as the PDT in Minas Gerais – indicated they would run separate local candidates, illustrating a split between national alignment and regional strategies.

The endorsement marks a key moment in the 2026 presidential campaign, signalling an early consolidation of the centre‑left coalition ahead of further party conventions scheduled through early August.