# Minas Gerais 2026 election candidacies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/minas-gerais-2026-election-candidacies
> Updated: 2026-08-12T01:55:19.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, federal deputy Patrus Ananias announced he would run as the Workers’ Party’s pre‑candidate for the Minas Gerais governorship, prompting the PT to begin alliance talks with the Brazilian Socialist Party, PSOL‑Rede and the MDB. The move resolved a key uncertainty for President Lula’s broader campaign and shifted strategic focus to other contested states.

A week later, the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) officially nominated José Eustáquio de Faria Júnior as its candidate for the 2026 federal deputy race in Minas Gerais. The former Patos de Minas city councilor aims to expand his previous voter base by focusing on agribusiness, health, education, and municipal development. The MDB announcement also included a tribute to Patrus Ananias, highlighting his history with social programs such as Fome Zero and Bolsa Família.

On August 12, the political landscape shifted further when the national executive of the Rede-PSOL Federation overturned a local decision to withdraw support for Alexandre Kalil (PSD). Instead, the Federation endorsed Patrus Ananias for governor, citing opposition to Kalil’s running mate, Carlos Mosconi (PSDB), as being inconsistent with party values. Under this new endorsement, the Federation will support the ticket led by Patrus Ananias and Jarbas Soares (PSB), while also prioritizing the campaigns of Marília Campos (PT) for the Senate and Áurea Carolina (PSOL) for the Chamber of Deputies. Despite this national shift, the National Executive has granted the Rede party the freedom to diverge locally, potentially allowing them to maintain support for Kalil within the state.

Concurrently, Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos) officially launched his candidacy for the Minas Gerais governorship. His platform focuses on cutting privileges, reducing taxes, and addressing infrastructure issues such as road conditions and tolls.

## Claims

- The Rede-PSOL National Executive annulled the Minas Gerais state branch's support for Alexandre Kalil, opting instead to support Patrus Ananias for governor. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The National Executive decided that the Rede party may maintain local support for Alexandre Kalil in Minas Gerais despite the federation's formal support for Patrus Ananias. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The decision to shift support was made following a veto request from the PSOL Minas Gerais branch. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Alexandre Kalil's ticket includes Carlos Mosconi from the PSDB as his vice-candidate. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Rede-PSOL federation shifts Minas Gerais support to Patrus Ananias

The Rede-PSOL National Executive has overturned the Minas Gerais branch's support for Alexandre Kalil, officially endorsing Patrus Ananias for governor instead.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rede-psol-federation-endorses-patrus-ananias-for-minas-gerais-governor

### 2026-08-01: MDB officially nominates José Eustáquio for Brazil's 2026 Federal Deputy race

MDB names José Eustáquio as its 2026 federal deputy candidate in Minas Gerais, while a tribute recalls Patrus Ananias' long political career and social initiatives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mdb-officially-nominates-jos-eustquio-for-brazils-2026-federal-deputy-race

### 2026-07-20: Patrus Ananias Named PT Pre‑candidate for Minas Gerais Governorship

Patrus Ananias, former mayor and minister, is the PT’s pre‑candidate for Minas Gerais governor, sparking alliance talks with PSB, PSOL and others as Lula’s campaign solidifies.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-politicians-turn-world-cup-final-into-election-talk

---
Cite as: Minas Gerais 2026 election candidacies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/minas-gerais-2026-election-candidacies