Douglas Ruas pushes tourism investment in Rio's Região dos Lagos and eyes 2026 gubernatorial race

State deputy Douglas Ruas toured several municipalities of Rio de Janeiro's Região dos Lagos, meeting mayors, local leaders, fishermen and residents. He highlighted new tourism attractions such as the Ilha dos Dinossauros Park and called for increased public investment to boost employment and income in the coastal towns.

Within the Liberal Party, leaders are urging Ruas to adopt a strategy similar to former governor Wilson Witzel’s 2018 campaign, aiming to force a second‑round runoff against incumbent Eduardo Paes in the 2026 state election. The plan seeks to capitalize on Bolsonaro‑aligned support and the entry of former governor Anthony Garotinho into the race.