Key Ministerial and Party Leadership Changes Shape Brazil's 2026 Election Landscape

Brazilian politics is witnessing significant shifts ahead of the 2026 elections with two notable developments: the anticipated resignation of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski and the strategic appointment of Aava Santiago as leader of the PSB in Goiás.

Lewandowski is expected to step down from his role as Minister of Justice this week, with plans confirmed by his associates and coordinated with President Lula. Despite Lula’s efforts to retain him, Lewandowski decided to leave following the postponement of the PEC da segurança reform until after 2026, which undermined one of his key reasons to stay. His resignation, likely between Thursday and Friday, could prompt several secretaries appointed by him to also resign. Manoel Carlos, currently the ministry's second-in-command, is slated to serve as interim minister. The Workers’ Party (PT) encourages Lula to use this moment to restructure the ministry and establish a Ministry of Public Security, addressing critical concerns over public security — a pressing issue in the pre-election period.

Concurrently, PSB has repositioned itself politically in Goiás by bringing Aava Santiago into its leadership. Officially joining on October 5, 2023, Santiago, a prominent Goiânia city councilor and the most voted woman in the city's history, will preside over the PSB in Goiás. Her leadership aims to enhance political dialogue, consolidate the party, and build a competitive platform for the 2026 election cycle while maintaining existing alliances, notably with former governor Marconi Perillo (PSDB). Drawing attention to the strategic importance of her political weight, PSB’s national president João Campos praised her ability to lead progressive agendas and unite diverse political forces.

These changes underscore evolving political strategies as parties and key figures navigate the fraught landscape ahead of Brazil’s upcoming elections. While Lula plans to limit further ministerial changes before the elections, with around 20 ministers expected to resign by April, the PSB focuses on territorial strengthening and youth engagement to revitalize its presence in Goiás and beyond.