Eduardo Braide bans national presidential campaigning in Maranhão governor race

Eduardo Braide, the PSD pre‑candidate for the 2026 governorship of Maranhão, has issued a directive prohibiting his allies from campaigning for or soliciting votes for any presidential candidate. The measure is intended to prevent the Maranhão election from being nationalised and keep the focus on state‑level issues.

Braide’s campaign, which includes vice‑governor candidate Elaine Carneiro and Senate candidates Lahésio Bonfim and André Fufuca, has faced scrutiny over its political alignment. By barring national campaign activity, Braide seeks to distance his ticket from the broader polarisation between the Lula‑aligned left and Bolsonaro‑aligned right, emphasizing a locally‑focused electoral debate.