Paraíba Governor Lucas Ribeiro predicts polarized 2026 election

Lucas Ribeiro, the re-elected Governor of Paraíba, has characterized the upcoming 2026 presidential election as a deeply divided and unpredictable contest. Speaking on the current political climate, Ribeiro noted that polling indicates a technical tie between candidates, suggesting a historic and intense struggle for power.

Despite his political party (PP) declaring support for Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Ribeiro maintained his personal support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He emphasized that this alignment is rooted in an established partnership with the federal government, which has facilitated significant investments in Paraíba.

Ribeiro highlighted that the federal government has provided over R$ 2 billion to the state in recent years, contributing to public policies such as the elimination of elective surgery waiting lists and infrastructure projects related to the São Francisco River transposition.