# Brazil PSD election campaign > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-psd-election-campaign > Updated: 2026-08-10T17:26:05.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 5. In late July 2026, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) began consolidating its regional ticket in the Federal District, presenting former deputy Ronaldo Fonseca as a possible vice-governor alongside pre-candidate José Roberto Arruda. A week later, PSD presidential candidate Ronaldo Caiado used the party’s national convention in Brasília to launch a full-scale presidential campaign, calling for a pardon for former president Jair Bolsonaro, invoking Juscelino Kubitschek’s legacy, and highlighting the party’s extensive municipal network as a grassroots advantage. On 2 August 2026, a joint PSD-Avante convention in Brasília confirmed Arruda as the PSD candidate for the Government of the Federal District and positioned Jorginho Argello as the likely vice-governor. The event attracted more than 14,000 supporters and featured senior party figures, including Caiado, who reiterated PSD’s status as the largest holder of mayoral seats nationwide. Analysts noted that PSD must compete for right-wing votes against Flávio Bolsonaro, while the party continues outreach to Brazil’s business elite, exemplified by recent meetings with the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp). On 4 August 2026, the PSD expanded its candidate rollout to the northern state of Rondônia. At a state convention in Porto Velho, former Cacoal mayor Adailton Antunes Ferreira, known as Adailton Fúria, was confirmed as the PSD governor candidate, with Everton Leoni as his vice-governor and Luís Fernando slated for the Senate race. The same day, PSD ally Avante nominated Jair Montes, the son of the state party president, as its youngest federal-deputy contender, promoting a light-hearted digital campaign aimed at younger voters. On 10 August 2026, following his formal announcement of candidacy for the Federal District governorship, Arruda implemented a significant change to his ticket. He replaced Jorginho Argello with former deputy Luiz Pitiman as his running mate. ## Claims - José Roberto Arruda was confirmed as the PSD candidate for the Government of the Federal District. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Gilberto Kassab, national president of PSD, attended the convention. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The joint PSD-Avante convention in Brasília was attended by over 14,000 supporters. (single source) - Jorginho Argello is the most likely candidate for the vice‑governorship of the Federal District. (single source) - The alliance between PSD and Avante is considered strong and unlikely to be disrupted. (single source) - Ronaldo Caiado, PSD presidential pre‑candidate, attended the convention and highlighted the party’s extensive municipal network. (single source) - Analysts say Caiado will need to compete for right‑wing votes against Flávio Bolsonaro. (single source) - PSD candidates have been meeting with business groups such as the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp). (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-10: José Roberto Arruda announces candidacy for Distrito Federal governor José Roberto Arruda has announced his candidacy for the Distrito Federal government for 2026, selecting Luiz Pitiman as his vice-candidate to replace Jorge Argello. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-roberto-arruda-announces-candidacy-for-distrito-federal-governor ### 2026-08-06: José Roberto Arruda formalizes 'Resgatar Brasília' coalition The Avante and PSD parties have formalized the 'Resgatar Brasília' coalition to support José Roberto Arruda for governor, despite internal friction over the selection of vice candidate Luiz Pitiman. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patient-charged-with-racial-harassment-of-venezuelan-doctor-in-caador-brazil ### 2026-08-04: Rondônia candidates Jair Montes and Adailton Fúria announce 2026 bids Avante named Jair Montes, its youngest federal deputy hopeful, while PSD's Adailton Fúria became the first governor candidate listed in the TSE’s DivulgaCand system for Rondônia’s 2026 elections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rondnia-candidates-jair-montes-and-adailton-fria-announce-2026-bids ### 2026-08-02: PSD backs José Roberto Arruda for DF governor, picks Jorginho Argello as vice PSD and Avante’s Brasília convention confirmed José Roberto Arruda for DF governor, named Jorginho Argello as likely vice, and highlighted the party’s national strategy with presidential hopeful Ronaldo Caiado. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ronaldo-caiado-outlines-psd-presidential-campaign-and-calls-for-bolsonaro-pardon ### 2026-07-22: Ronaldo Fonseca named potential vice‑governor running mate by José Roberto Arruda Ronaldo Fonseca was proposed by José Roberto Arruda as a vice‑governor candidate for the Distrito Federal, with the decision pending PSD leadership talks. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ronaldo-caiado-leads-lula-in-poll-and-denounces-lulas-ties-to-nicaraguas-ortega --- Cite as: Brazil PSD election campaign. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-psd-election-campaign