Governor Celina Leão launches DF re‑election bid amid health contract controversy
On July 18, 2026, Distrito Federal Governor Celina Leão (PP) officially launched her pre‑candidacy for re‑election in a large rally in Ceilândia, presenting Gustavo Rocha (Republicanos) as her vice‑governor candidate. The event was attended by allied politicians including deputies Bia Kicis, senator Damares Alves and references to former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, whom Leão urged to run for the Senate.
Leão’s campaign has drawn criticism for remarks linking the Workers' Party’s electoral success to poverty and low education levels, prompting a response from the PT‑DF leadership. Additionally, she announced the termination of the contract with a private company responsible for patient transport after a five‑month‑old baby died from an accidental extubation during a hospital transfer, highlighting concerns over service quality and ongoing health‑sector staffing deficits.
Other recent initiatives include expanding volunteer police quotas to address staffing shortfalls and pledging increased health investment, while Leão emphasizes transparency and continuity in her administration’s policies.