Tarcísio is already considering a running mate for 2026; Michelle Bolsonaro, former ministers, and leaders of the centrist bloc are among those being considered.
Besides the former first lady, names like Rogério Marinho, Tereza Cristina, Ciro Nogueira, and Romeu Zema appear as possibilities.
247 - The governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), has been privately discussing with allies the profile and possible names for the vice-presidential slot in a potential presidential candidacy in 2026, according to reports. Folha de S. PaulAmong those being considered are centrist politicians, former ministers from Jair Bolsonaro's (PL) government, and former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro.
The talks are still in their initial stages and are exploratory in nature, without any concrete negotiations. Those close to the governor point out that choosing a running mate is usually one of the last steps in a presidential candidacy. Furthermore, Tarcísio has not yet confirmed whether he will actually run for president, a decision that would be contingent on the explicit support of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Pressure from Bolsonaro's supporters and internal conflicts.
These moves generated distrust among allies of the former president, especially among his sons, city councilman Carlos Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) and congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP). Both publicly criticized any premature dispute over their father's political legacy, calling it rash. To reduce tensions, Tarcísio intensified his efforts in Congress to defend amnesty for Bolsonaro.
Despite publicly stating that he will remain in São Paulo, the governor has increased his involvement in national issues and directly confronted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). At political events, he even rehearsed a campaign slogan: "40 years in 4".
Michelle Bolsonaro as a political asset
Among the names being considered, Michelle Bolsonaro is seen by sectors of the right as an "unbeatable" vice-presidential candidate. A woman, evangelical, and charismatic, she possesses attributes considered strategic, in addition to the weight of the Bolsonaro surname. However, there is also the possibility that the former first lady could run for president to represent her husband, who is currently ineligible, or for the Senate in the Federal District—a scenario considered likely by centrist politicians.
If she chooses the Senate, the vice-presidential slot would be open to other allies. Among those vying for the position are Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), former Minister of Regional Development, and former Minister of Agriculture Tereza Cristina (PP-MS), both praised by Tarcísio for their ability to garner votes in regions where Lula defeated Bolsonaro in 2022.
Dispute within the center and party federation
The choice also hinges on party affiliation. If Tarcísio accepts the invitation to join the PL, it's likely that the vice-presidential slot will be filled by someone from another party, such as the PP or União Brasil. In this context, former minister Tereza Cristina gains strength. Meanwhile, the president of the PP, Senator Ciro Nogueira (PI), also appears as a possible candidate, although he faces resistance from part of Bolsonaro's base.
Another interested party is the governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema (Novo), who has launched his pre-candidacy for the presidency, but admits in private conversations that there may not be room for two right-wing candidacies if Bolsonaro supports Tarcísio. In an interview with SheetZema stated: “Bolsonaro himself, whom I met four or five weeks ago and who is the biggest leader of the right wing, told me personally that the more candidates the right wing has, the better. His view coincides with mine here.”
