A wing of the PSDB in São Paulo has begun efforts to launch former senator José Aníbal as a candidate for state governor in the 2026 elections. The group disagrees with the party leadership's leanings toward supporting Tarcísio de Freitas's re-election.
The articulation brings together historical party figures, such as former councilor Mario Covas Neto and Goro Hama. They say the PSDB cannot omit itself from the debate after governing the state for 27 years.
"It is not an articulation against anyone, it is in favor of the PSDB and the state of São Paulo", Covas Neto said. Hama added that militants are indignant about the lack of their own candidate.
State president Alex Manente ruled out the possibility. "There is no condition for us to have a candidacy for governor", he stated. The tucano convention that will decide the matter is scheduled for July 28.