Ronaldo Caiado Launches 2026 Presidential Campaign in Goiás, Emphasizes Opposition to Lula

On August 16, 2026, Ronaldo Caiado formally kicked off his presidential campaign with a mass at the Cathedral of Goiânia, followed by a car rally through several cities in his home state of Goiás. Accompanied by his wife Gracinha Caiado, a Senate candidate, and Daniel Vilela, candidate for governor, Caiado focused on public safety, particularly highlighting the violence in Águas Lindas de Goiás. He declared, "When there is courage, competence, and moral authority, you return the territory to the people who live here."

Caiado used the rally to distance himself from President Lula, firmly asserting his opposition. Responding to comments by his running mate Gilberto Kassab about centrão support for Lula, Caiado insisted, "The only politician in Brazil who is opposed to Lula and has never voted for him is Ronaldo Caiado." Kassab did not attend the event, choosing instead to campaign in São Paulo.

The car rally began early and ended in Luziânia, marking Caiado's deliberate choice not to campaign in the Southeast region, unlike other major candidates. Caiado also presented a government plan containing nearly 40 proposals, developed with former Health Minister Henrique Mandetta, who supports the campaign as a friend but has no plans to hold office again.

This campaign launch highlights Caiado's strategy to build on his home state’s support base while positioning himself clearly as a key opponent of Lula in the 2026 presidential race.