Lula's search for Minas Gerais gubernatorial candidate deepens

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had promoted former Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco as his preferred candidate for the Minas Gerais governorship. In 2026, Pacheco announced he will not run for any office, leaving the Lula camp without a clear nominee and sparking a crowded race with eight declared hopefuls.

The Lula‑aligned PT is evaluating several names, including deputies Reginaldo Lopes and former UFMG rector Sandra Goulart, while former Belo Horizonte mayor Alexandre Kalil (PDT) polls at 14‑18 % and remains a potential ally. The PSB, Pacheco’s party, is preparing its own slate, featuring businessman Josué Gomes (son of former vice‑president José Alencar), former justice minister Jarbas Soares Júnior, ex‑Mayor Julvan Lacerda and ex‑senator Clésio Andrade. MDB politician Gabriel Azevedo and ex‑Prefect Marília Campos are also positioning themselves. Cleintinho Azevedo currently leads the broader contest with around 40 % support. Flávio Bolsonaro has ruled out an alliance with Mateus Simões, a PSD member aligned with Romeu Zema. The ongoing negotiations reflect the strategic importance of the Minas Gerais vote for Lula’s national electoral prospects.