Romeu Zema Secures Novo Nomination and Eyes Former STF Minister Joaquim Barbosa as Running Mate

Romeu Zema, former governor of Minas Gerais and pre‑candidate of the Novo party for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election, confirmed his candidacy at the party’s national convention on 27 July. Zema announced plans to meet former Supreme Court minister Joaquim Barbosa, saying he admires the ex‑magistrate’s anti‑corruption record and may consider him for the vice‑presidential slot.

At the same Novo convention in Rio Grande do Sul, Zema pledged an “ethical and moral shock” against President Lula’s spending and criminal factions. The party also officially nominated Marcel Van Hattem as its Senate candidate from Rio Grande do Sul and released the list of 69 legislative candidates – 29 for the Chamber of Deputies and 40 for the state assembly.

In parallel, the Association of Municipalities of Espírito Santo (Amunes) led by mayor Lubiana Barrigueira endorsed Governor Ricardo Ferraço’s re‑election bid and praised former governor Renato Casagrande’s Senate run, underscoring municipal support for the state‑level political project.

Other Brazilian parties held regional conventions confirming candidates such as Tarcísio de Freitas for São Paulo governor and Luciano Zucco for Rio Grande do Sul governor, reflecting a broader consolidation of candidacies ahead of the 2026 general elections.