Jarbas Soares seeks alliance in Minas Gerais race as governor Simões doubts Cleitinho candidacy

Jarbas Soares, the PSB pre‑candidate for the Minas Gerais governorship, is meeting with progressive and centrist leaders to build a broad front that could make him the preferred ally of President Lula. He said he awaits the positions of Lula, Vice‑President Geraldo Alckmin and PSB president João Campos, after the PT in the state closed its own candidacy and is now looking at alternatives such as former UFMG rector Sandra Goulart and federal deputy Patrus Ananias.

Incumbent governor Mateus Simões (PSD), also running for re‑election, warned that the possible entry of Senator Cleitinho (Republicanos) into the race would be politically damaging either way. Simões argued that Cleitinho’s proposals, like ending tolls, conflict with Minas Gerais’ fiscal constraints. Simões outlined his coalition, which includes PSD, Novo, União Brasil, PP, PRD, Solidariedade, DC, Mobiliza and Podemos, and discussed Senate candidacy arrangements with allies Marcelo Aro and Carlos Viana.