Brazil's Podemos party opts for neutrality in presidential race and fields own gubernatorial candidate in Mato Grosso

The Podemos party announced it will remain neutral in the 2026 Brazilian presidential election. Party president Renata Abreu said the decision reflects the country's challenges and a desire to avoid further polarization, dealing a setback to senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), who had been seeking centrist allies for his campaign.

In the state of Mato Grosso, Podemos leader Max Russi said the party will run its own candidate for governor, separating from the incumbent governor Otaviano Pivetta’s (Republicanos) ticket. The internal decision, expected by Wednesday, follows a party convention in Cuiabá and reflects a strategic shift after negotiations with other parties, including talks with former governor Mauro Mendes about a possible Senate seat for Podemos.

These moves illustrate Podemos’ broader electoral strategy, rejecting a national alliance with Bolsonaro while pursuing an independent path in the upcoming state elections.