Senator Cleitinho Azevedo stated on Wednesday evening, July 29, 2026, that he maintains his candidacy for governor of Minas Gerais, contradicting a note from the Republicans party released earlier.
Cleitinho held a press conference with his team and declared he will run for the Minas Gerais governorship with former Patos de Minas mayor Luís Eduardo Falcão as his running mate.
He cited a recent poll showing him at 40% of voting intentions, ten weeks before the election, and said the decision reflects the popular will.
The senator explained he did not attend the party convention because he was in mourning. The Republicans note, released that morning, indicated consensus between state and national leadership against the candidacy.
A Folha report noted the party may not grant the nomination for the race.
