State deputy Paulo Correa Jr., PSD leader in the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp), is in advanced talks to join the PL, dissatisfied with new affiliations to his party on the São Paulo coast. The negotiation takes place amid the dispute between PL and PSD for the vice-governor position in Tarcísio de Freitas' government. Alesp president André do Prado (PL) is leading the discussions with enthusiasm.
Paulo Correa Jr., current PSD leader in the Alesp, expressed discomfort with the party's recent affiliations, particularly on the São Paulo coast. "My region is congested with party candidates," the deputy said. He is in advanced negotiations with the PL but has also been approached by Podemos, PP, and Republicanos.
Alesp president André do Prado (PL) is leading the talks and sees the potential affiliation as a gain for the party. "Paulo became uncomfortable [in the PSD] and is a candidate who will have more than 100,000 votes, which can help strengthen the PL bench even more," Prado stated. The switch could happen in March, during the party window period.
In addition to Correa Jr., the PL is close to finalizing the affiliation of Oseias de Madureira, also from the PSD. These movements occur in the context of a dispute between the PSD, led by Gilberto Kassab, and the PL, headed by Valdemar Costa Neto, for the vice-governor position in Governor Tarcísio de Freitas' (Republicanos) administration. The position is currently held by Felício Ramuth (PSD). Kassab intends to launch his own candidate in this year's election, while the PL claims the spot for Prado, after offering it to the PSD in 2022 to support Tarcísio's campaign.