Eduardo Paes wins PSD nomination in Rio de Janeiro governor race

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) held a convention in Botafogo on July 20, officially nominating former Rio mayor Eduardo Paes as its candidate for the 2026 Rio de Janeiro governorship. Jane Reis of the MDB was confirmed as his vice‑governor, while deputy Pedro Paulo will run for the Senate. In his speech Paes denounced former governor Cláudio Castro’s administration as a "criminal organization" and pledged a security strategy based on data, technology and evidence‑based policing.

Paes also announced major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Line 3 of the metro linking Rio, Niterói, São Gonçalo and Itaboraí, and a reform of the SuperVia railway system. He promised stronger cooperation with the state’s 92 municipalities.

The Republicanos party unanimously selected former governor Anthony Garotinho as its gubernatorial candidate. The party’s decision, made on July 18 and to be formalised at a July 25 state convention, follows a Supreme Court ruling that annulled Garotinho’s 2016 corruption conviction. He named former BOPE commander Coronel Venâncio Moura as his vice‑candidate and highlighted security, health and education as his administration’s priorities.

The Missão party also announced a candidate for the Rio race, presenting former BOPE sniper Colonel Busnello as its nominee. These announcements come as parties race to register candidacies by the August 15 deadline, setting the stage for a contested state election.