The race for the government of Alagoas enters a decisive phase with deadlines until April 3 for party affiliation and incompatibility. Minister Renan Filho (MDB) is betting on deliveries from the MDB cycle started in 2015, while Mayor JHC (PL) faces Bolsonarist pressure to align with Flávio Bolsonaro. A recent poll shows JHC leading with 47.6% against 40.9% for Renan Filho.
The contest for the government of Alagoas is taking on decisive contours as the April 3 deadline approaches for party affiliation and incompatibility for those intending to run for other positions. Renan Filho, Transportes Minister for the MDB and former state governor from 2015 to 2022 — during which he was elected senator —, positions himself as a candidate for the Palácio República dos Palmares, betting on the achievements of the MDB cycle he initiated.
Among the main banners, health investments stand out, such as the construction of the hospitals in Palmeira dos Índios, Coração Alagoano — a reference for cardiac transplants via SUS — and Hospital Metropolitano do Agreste in Arapiraca. Renan Filho has the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who even considered the minister as his running mate for the presidential ticket to draw the MDB into the alliance. The candidate is also close to Senator Renan Calheiros (MDB), his father and a congressional ally.
His potential main rival is Maceió Mayor João Henrique Caldas, known as JHC (PL). The central issue for JHC is whether he will draw closer to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the PL's presidential candidate and Lula's rival. Although it is not confirmed that JHC will run, Bolsonarism is expected to pressure him in the coming days. Disclosed notes from Flávio Bolsonaro state: “Talk until March 15” next to JHC's name. As an alternative, Deputy Alfredo Gaspar (União), rapporteur of the CPMI do INSS, is noted with: “the only one who will ask for votes for me”.
A December 2024 poll by Paraná Pesquisas shows JHC with 47.6% voting intentions against 40.9% for Renan Filho, with a 2.2 percentage point margin of error.
