Senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSB) has withdrawn from the 2026 Minas Gerais gubernatorial race, confirmed PT national president Edinho Silva in an interview on the Warren Política podcast on Tuesday (May 19). The decision ends months of speculation about the candidacy of the Senate president, who was considered President Lula's preferred candidate for the state. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O presidente nacional do PT, Edinho Silva, afirmou nesta terça-feira (19) que o senador Rodrigo Pacheco (PSB) optou por não ser candidato ao Governo de Minas. A declaração foi dada durante entrevista ao economista Felipe Salto, durante o podcast Warren Política, transmitido pelo YouTube."
With Pacheco's withdrawal, the PT has reopened negotiations with other political leaders in Minas to build a candidacy for the Tiradentes Palace and "a strong platform for President Lula" in the state, according to Edinho Silva. Federal deputy Marília Campos has already ruled out running for governor following Pacheco's withdrawal, declaring "no possibility." ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Diante da sinalização, Edinho Silva informou que a legenda já reabriu as articulações com outras lideranças políticas mineiras para a construção de uma candidatura ao Palácio Tiradentes e de um palanque forte para o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva na campanha eleitoral no Estado."
"Após recuo de Pacheco, Marília Campos descarta disputar governo: 'Nenhuma possibilidade'"
The decision repeats a 2018 pattern, when Pacheco confirmed his gubernatorial candidacy for the DEM party but announced his withdrawal just 24 hours after the official announcement. At that time, the withdrawal occurred after national negotiations between DEM and PSDB. Pacheco's office informed that the senator will not comment on the decision at this time. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Em 2018, o então deputado federal chegou a confirmar candidatura ao governo de Minas Gerais pelo DEM, mas anunciou a saída da disputa pouco mais de 24 horas depois do anúncio oficial."
"A assessoria de Pacheco informou que o senador não irá se pronunciar neste momento."
Party conventions should occur between July and August, with candidacy requests submitted to the Electoral Court by August 15. The PT will have about three months to define and formalize its electoral strategy in Minas Gerais. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Após o martelo ser batido entre as partes, a candidatura que será apoiada pelo PT terá de ser levada em convenção, entre julho e agosto. Os pedidos de candidaturas devem ser apresentados à Justiça eleitoral até dia 15 de agosto."
Pacheco had declared a deadline until the end of May 2026 to define his pre-candidacy
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
A meeting between Pacheco and Lula was still being awaited by party insiders to officially seal the decision
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Did the definitive meeting between Pacheco and Lula occur before the decision was announced?
Why it's still unknown: Party sources mentioned that a meeting between the senator and president was being awaited to officially seal the decision, but there is no confirmation whether the meeting occurred.
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What are the concrete names that PT is considering to replace Pacheco in the race?
Why it's still unknown: The party informed that it reopened negotiations with 'various leaders' but did not specify who the possible candidates are beyond ruling out Marília Campos.
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What is the specific reason for Pacheco's decision not to run?
Why it's still unknown: Pacheco's office informed that the senator will not comment on the decision at this time.