Iracema Vale Confirmed as Federal Deputy Candidate in Maranhão

Iracema Vale, president of the Maranhão Legislative Assembly, had her name homologated on 25 July at the Papódromo in São Luís, confirming her candidacy for a seat in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies in the upcoming elections. The decision was made during the state's largest political convention, which brought together leaders from all regions and also formalised the majority slate: Orleans Brandão was confirmed for the governor’s race, while Roseana Sarney and Weverton Rocha were named for the two Senate seats. Governor Carlos Brandão attended the ceremony.

Vale, the most‑voted state deputy in Maranhão's history with 104,729 votes in 2022, is the first woman to lead the Assembly in nearly 190 years. She began her public career as a nurse and later served as councilwoman and two‑term mayor of Urbano Santos, receiving a Sebrae‑awarded administration. Vale said she seeks firm representation for the interior of Maranhão in Brasília, emphasizing local realities and municipal needs.