Governor of Paraná was seen as a favorite by party members; Ronaldo Caiado (GO) and Eduardo Leite (RS) are still in the internal dispute
The governor of Paraná, Ratinho Junior (PSD), decided to complete his term of office by December 2026 and will not participate in the party’s internal dispute to choose a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. The decision was taken on Sunday night (22nd March 2026), after conversations with the family, and communicated to the national president of the PSD, Gilberto Kassab, this Monday (23rd March).
According to a statement released by the office, the governor states that he is committed to the mandate he won with the electorate of Paraná and believes that he should not interrupt the current management cycle in the State. He was re-elected in 2022 with almost 70% of the valid votes.
Despite giving up the presidential race, Ratinho Junior states that he will continue to collaborate with the party in the national debate and in the formulation of proposals. Among the agendas defended are the reduction of bureaucracy, the tightening of criminal laws and the strengthening of agribusiness.
Also according to the statement, the governor intends, at the end of his term, to return to the private sector and take on roles in the communications group founded by his father, presenter Ratinho.
Ratinho Junior was born in Jandaia do Sul (PR) and built his political career from Curitiba, the state capital. The text highlights the governor’s humble origins and states that his public activities are guided by the defense of a leaner State, with a focus on education and institutional dialogue.
