# Paraíba electoral alliances (2026 update)

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paraba-electoral-alliances
> Updated: 2026-07-29T21:42:44.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In early July, analysts outlined the emerging configuration of presidential‑level camps in Paraíba, noting the competing influence of supporters of President Lula and former President Flávio Bolsonaro. By late July, the mapping had translated into concrete realignments among state politicians ahead of the 2024 elections.

MDB councilor Milanez Neto announced he was ending his alliance with Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo and would fully back Governor Lucas Ribeiro’s re‑election ticket, including Senate candidates João Azevêdo (PSB) and Nabor Wanderley (Republicanos). Simultaneously, former state deputy Manoel Ludgério opposed his wife’s placement on the PSD federal‑deputy list, leading the party to replace her with businessman Lula Cabral to satisfy gender‑quota rules. Ludgério reiterated support for Cícero Lucena’s gubernatorial bid and for Senator Vital, while distancing himself from any perceived tie to Governor Ribeiro.

The fluid nature of Paraíba’s political landscape continued into 2026. On July 30, 2026, Milanez Neto publicly severed his alliance with Senator Veneziano and pledged support for Governor Lucas Ribeiro’s re‑election bid, also endorsing the governing coalition’s Senate candidates João Azevêdo and Nabor Wanderley. Senator Veneziano named Janine Lucena, daughter of MDB pre‑candidate Cícero Lucena, as his first substitute on the Senate ticket, reinforcing the party’s ties to the Lucena family. These moves further solidified the governor’s coalition ahead of the 2026 state elections.

## Claims

- Milanez Neto (MDB) officially broke political ties with Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo (MDB) on July 30, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Milanez Neto pledged support for Governor Lucas Ribeiro’s re‑election campaign. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Milanez Neto said he will vote for Senate candidates João Azevêdo (PSB) and Nabor Wanderley (Republicanos). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- All announcements took place in João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo announced Janine Lucena as his first substitute on his Senate ticket. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Janine Lucena is the daughter of Cícero Lucena and former executive secretary of Health of João Pessoa. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The MDB’s state project in Paraíba includes Cícero Lucena as its pre‑candidate for governor. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Milanez Neto previously opposed Cícero Lucena’s candidacy within the MDB. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Paraíba Governor Lucas Ribeiro Gains Support from Milanez Neto After Break with Senator Veneziano

Milanez Neto breaks with Senator Veneziano, backs Governor Lucas Ribeiro’s re‑election and Senate slate, while Veneziano names Janine Lucena as his first substitute.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraba-politicians-shift-alliances-ahead-of-2024-elections

### 2026-07-05: Paraíba maps presidential alliances as Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro camps take shape

In Paraíba, Governor Lucas Ribeiro backs Lula while Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's camp is led by Efraim Filho, setting distinct presidential alliances ahead of party conventions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraba-maps-presidential-alliances-as-lula-and-flvio-bolsonaro-camps-take-shape

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Cite as: Paraíba electoral alliances (2026 update). CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paraba-electoral-alliances