Conflicts between groups that support the president in strategic states delay electoral agreements and the formation of alliances for 2026
Disputes between allies of the president (PT) in at least 4 Brazilian states have made it difficult to define platforms for the PT member in the dispute for re-election. In Maranhão, for example, the friction between political groups aligned with the Planalto is so intense that it resulted in a change of course regarding electoral plans, as well as judicialization.
The clash involves the governor (no party) and the minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), who governed the State from 2015 to 2022.
Brandão was vice-governor during Dino’s 2 terms, but there was a rupture in the alliance. The split intensified after the STF minister announced the selection process for vacancies at the State Court of Auditors, in March 2024.
This happened less than 1 month after Dino was in Court, on February 22, 2024. In February 2025, the magistrate also decided to suspend the choice of lawyer Flávio Costa, appointed by Brandão to the TCE-MA. Considered there to be “procedural discrepancy” in federal and state models.
The governor intended to run for the Senate, but would have to resign his position. If he did this, he would leave command of the Palácio dos Leões to his vice president, (PT), who became an adversary.
The manager from Maranhão wants to launch his nephew Orleans Brandão (MDB) in the dispute for government. The PT member is now part of Dino’s group.
On Saturday (14 March 2026), Orleans Brandão launched his pre-candidacy for the government of Maranhão. He claimed to have the support of 182 of Maranhão’s 217 mayors.
Here are other impasses involving Lula’s allies:
- Federal District – (PT), president of Iphan, and (PSB), which was , seek to represent the center-left camp in the dispute for government;
- Pernambuco – PSB pre-candidate for the Campos das Princesas Palace, the mayor wants exclusive support from Lula, while the governor (PSD) seeks the PT member’s neutrality in the State elections;
- Rio Grande do Sul – the former state deputy (PDT) and the president of the (National Supply Company), (PT), are competing to be the head of the government ticket. The tendency is for the formation of a single center-left platform.
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