Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos) announced Wednesday that he will run for the governorship of Minas Gerais [1].
The announcement signals a potential shift in the state's political landscape as Azevedo seeks to distance himself from established ideological poles. By positioning himself as a populist alternative to the traditional right and left, he aims to capture a broad base of voters in one of Brazil's most influential states.
Azevedo said that recent poll results show strong support for his candidacy [1]. He intends to run alongside Luis Eduardo Falcão, the former mayor of Patos de Minas, as his running mate [1]. The senator said that his platform would not be aligned with either Jair Bolsonaro or Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
"Não sou de direita nem de esquerda, sou candidato do povo," Azevedo said [2].
Despite the announcement, there is conflicting information regarding official party backing. The president of Republicanos said that Azevedo will be a candidate [3], while other reports indicate the party has not yet confirmed the candidacy [1]. This discrepancy suggests internal friction within the Republicanos party.
The senator also expressed personal and political tension with party leadership. "Não confio em Marcos Pereira," Azevedo said [4].
The bid comes as Azevedo leverages his visibility to challenge the existing political order in Minas Gerais. He has cited the need for a representative who speaks for the people rather than party elites, or national political figures [2]. The announcement took place on July 29, 2026 [1].
“"Não sou de direita nem de esquerda, sou candidato do povo."”
Azevedo's bid represents a strategic attempt to break the binary polarization of Brazilian politics at the state level. By rejecting the labels of 'right' and 'left,' he is testing whether a 'candidate of the people' persona can overcome the institutional machinery of major parties and the influence of national figures like Bolsonaro and Lula in Minas Gerais.
