PDT in São Paulo Endorses Fernando Haddad for Governor, Backs Senate Bids
The Democratic Labour Party (PDT) in São Paulo officially confirmed its support for Fernando Haddad of the Workers' Party (PT) as its gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 elections during its state convention held on Friday, May 24th, at the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp). The convention, led by national PDT president Carlos Lupi, also saw the party endorse Marina Silva (Rede) and Simone Tebet (PSB) for Senate seats. The PDT has nominated Antonio Neto as a substitute senator for Marina Silva and former Araraquara mayor Marcelo Barbieri as a substitute for Simone Tebet. These substitute positions are considered significant, as both Silva and Tebet have previously served as ministers and could potentially return to ministerial roles if President Lula is re-elected, thereby vacating their Senate seats for their substitutes. Negotiations for these substitute positions are ongoing, with other coalition parties also vying for them, including the PV party which announced Roberto Tripoli as a substitute for Marina Silva. Haddad, who attended the convention along with França, Silva, and Tebet, expressed his support for the PDT's growth, recalling the party's presence during his tenure as Mayor of São Paulo from 2013 to 2016. Márcio França, who is expected to be Haddad's running mate, hinted at a future merger between the PSB and PDT. The PDT plans to field 60 candidates for the Chamber of Deputies and 45 candidates for the 94 seats in the São Paulo State Assembly.
The PDT's strategic alignment with Fernando Haddad and other prominent figures from allied parties in São Paulo signals a deliberate effort to consolidate political influence and electoral strength ahead of the 2026 general elections. By securing key substitute positions for Senate candidates, the PDT aims to gain legislative representation, particularly if those candidates are appointed to ministerial roles in a potential future PT administration. This move reflects a broader trend of coalition-building and a pragmatic approach to maximizing political leverage within the current electoral landscape. The potential for a merger between PDT and PSB, as suggested by Márcio França, indicates a long-term vision for party consolidation and expanded reach, potentially reshaping the political center-left in Brazil. The party's nomination of numerous candidates for federal and state legislative bodies underscores its ambition to increase its parliamentary presence across multiple levels of government.
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