Rafael Fonteles Secures Re‑election Bid for Piauí Governorship

Governor Rafael Fonteles was officially confirmed as the candidate for re‑election to the Piauí governorship during a party convention in Teresina on 25 July 2026. The event, held at the Atlantic City venue, also nominated former state education secretary Washington Bandeira as the vice‑governor candidate.

The PT‑led coalition, comprising PT, PV, PCdoB, MDB, PSD, PDT and Republicanos, presented the full ticket, including Senate candidates Marcelo Castroe and Júlio César. In his speech, Fonteles emphasized unity and public support, saying, "Independente de ataques que a gente recebe quase todos os dias, a nossa resposta é o trabalho… o povo apoiando." Senator Wellington Dias conveyed President Lula’s message of continued collaboration with the governor.

The convention highlighted the alliance’s claim of broad municipal backing, noting support from nearly 200 mayors across the state.