Gilberto Kassab Outlines PSD’s Strategic, Political Approach to 2026 Presidential Candidate Selection
PSD party president Gilberto Kassab reveals a strategic, consensus-driven approach for choosing the party’s 2026 presidential candidate amid multiple contenders, including cautious prospects for Tarcísio de Freitas.
- • Gilberto Kassab confirms PSD will select its 2026 presidential candidate through political consensus, not primaries or polls.
- • Four candidates are in contention: Ronaldo Caiado, Eduardo Leite, Ratinho Júnior, and Tarcísio de Freitas.
- • Tarcísio de Freitas is considered likely to seek re-election as São Paulo governor, though a presidential run is not ruled out.
- • PSD leadership aims to maintain party unity by avoiding internal conflicts through a consensual candidate choice.
Key details
Gilberto Kassab, president of the PSD party, has emphasized that the party’s choice for the 2026 presidential candidate will be a political decision rather than a result of primaries or polls. In recent interviews on GloboNews, Kassab conveyed that the PSD seeks a harmonious resolution through consensus among potential candidates instead of a divisive electoral process within the party.
Currently, the PSD has four notable figures in the running: Ronaldo Caiado, governor of Goiás; Eduardo Leite, governor of Rio Grande do Sul; Ratinho Júnior, governor of Paraná; and Tarcísio de Freitas, governor of São Paulo. Kassab highlighted that although Tarcísio de Freitas’s run for president cannot be ruled out, it is considered more likely he will seek re-election as governor, a position he confirmed following a visit to Jair Bolsonaro in prison. Kassab remarked, "Never and ever are words you should avoid in politics," reflecting the fluid nature of candidacies.
Kassab also noted that Ronaldo Caiado’s recent affiliation with PSD has strengthened the party by adding a viable presidential contender. While polls remain important, Kassab reassured that the final decision will consider relationships within the party and future political strategies. He cautioned against primaries, suggesting they could foster internal crises and impact party unity.
Significantly, Kassab pointed out that Tarcísio de Freitas’s support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential ambitions might be influential in a runoff against President Lula. The PSD’s leadership plans to make a "political solution" that balances all interests, ensuring the party advances united in the national election.
This strategic approach underlines PSD’s ambition to position itself powerfully for the 2026 presidential race, focusing on cohesion, experienced leadership, and flexible political maneuvering amid a complex electoral landscape.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Candidates for PSD presidential nomination
Sources list different candidates for the PSD presidential nomination
g1.globo.com
"Tarcísio de Freitas is a potential candidate for president."
noticias.uol.com.br
"Current candidates for the nomination are Eduardo Leite, Ratinho Júnior, and Ronaldo Caiado."
Why this matters: The first source mentions Tarcísio de Freitas as a candidate, while the second source lists Eduardo Leite and Ratinho Júnior instead. This discrepancy affects understanding of who is currently considered for the nomination within the PSD party.