Brazil's Union Brazil eyes vice-governor slot as parties hold back on presidential endorsements

Union Brazil is positioning Joelma Costalonga, secretary of the House of Municipalities in the Espírito Santo Legislative Assembly, as a potential vice‑governor candidate on Governor Ricardo Ferraço's (MDB) 2026 ticket. Costalonga, noted for coordinating agricultural and child‑protection programs that have reached thousands of farmers and professionals, is being promoted to strengthen the party’s influence in the state election.

Meanwhile, five of the eight largest parties in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies—Union Brazil, PP, Republicanos, MDB and Podemos—have not yet decided which presidential candidate they will support in the upcoming national race. Their indecision could shape coalition dynamics, especially concerning the candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro and the selection of a vice‑presidential running mate, as parties weigh the political costs and benefits of aligning with the Bolsonaro camp versus a possible Lula‑Lula re‑election.