Senator Cleitinho Azevedo stalls decision on Minas Gerais governorship

Senator Cleitinho Azevedo, the leading pollster in Minas Gerais and a potential candidate to head the Bolsonaro‑aligned slate for the 2026 state election, has said he will not decide on a gubernatorial run until after the World Cup. In an interview he stated, “Só depois da Copa,” indicating a strategic delay.

Republicanos national president Marcos Pereira confirmed that the party has given its backing for Azevedo’s candidacy but criticized the senator’s hesitation, saying he “doesn’t know what he wants.” Party leaders are pressing for a decision before the July party conventions, warning that continued indecision could jeopardise the alliance with Flávio Bolsonaro’s PL and the broader opposition strategy in Brazil’s second‑largest electoral college.