Maranhão gubernatorial race heats up as Braide hides Lula stance and Orleans draws 10,000 at Timon rally

In Maranhão, former São Luís mayor Eduardo Braide, a pre‑candidate for governor, is attempting to conceal his opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula’s re‑election. Despite publicly claiming neutrality, Braide has been linked to right‑wing figures and has denied meeting with PT leaders after earlier reports suggested otherwise. His tactic reflects the governor’s strong electoral support in the state, where Lula secured nearly 70 % of the vote in the 2022 first round.

Meanwhile, Orleans Brandão, the MDB‑backed pre‑candidate for governor, held a rally in Timon that attracted more than 10,000 attendees. Speaking to the crowd, Brandão vowed to build a high‑complexity hospital in the region, boost public security, continue infrastructure projects such as the MA‑O40 highway, and expand social programs. Local officials, including Timon mayor Rafael Brito, praised Brandão’s record of municipal investments and positioned him as the successor to incumbent Governor Carlos Brandão.