After Marília Campos declined, the PT began considering federal deputy Patrus Ananias to run for governor of Minas Gerais in the 2026 elections.
President Lula gathered about 30 campaign aides at the Palácio da Alvorada on Tuesday to discuss defining the PT slate in the state. The former mayor of Contagem resisted appeals to run for governor and prefers to seek a Senate seat.
Faced with the impasse, the name of Patrus Ananias, former mayor of Belo Horizonte and minister in previous governments, emerged as a consensual alternative for the party. The PT officially supports its own candidacy.
Minister Alexandre Silveira was added to Lula's campaign command with the task of organizing the slate in Minas Gerais. The state has been seen as decisive in presidential elections since 1950.
