Leonardo Avalanche Named PRTB Pre‑candidate for Brazil's 2026 Presidential Election

The Partido Renovador Trabalhista Brasileiro (PRTB) announced on 14 July that its president, businessman Leonardo Avalanche, will run as the party’s pre‑candidate for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election. Avalanche, who has led the party since February 2024, took over the candidacy after the original plan to field influencer Pablo Marçal became impossible because Marçal was declared ineligible following convictions for electoral irregularities.

The party’s platform, as presented by Avalanche, emphasizes conservatism, entrepreneurship, national sovereignty, a reduction of taxes to 3.5 % and a “technical, clean” administration. Avalanche also highlighted his role in coordinating Marçal’s 2024 São Paulo mayoral campaign.

Avalanche is under investigation for alleged links to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC). An audio recording released by Folha de S.Paulo purportedly captures him acknowledging contacts with the criminal organization; he has denied the authenticity of the voice. He has also threatened journalists who publish stories about the matter. The PRTB describes itself as the only anti‑system conservative party in Brazil.