Ronaldo Caiado Announces Presidential Candidacy Amid Party Challenges

The Governor of Goiás, Ronaldo Caiado, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of Brazil, launching his pre-campaign in Salvador on April 4. Caiado, representing the União Brasil party, faces significant hurdles as he seeks to unify his party, which has shown divisions regarding his candidacy.

Notably absent from the launch event was Antônio Rueda, the president of União Brasil, highlighting the internal conflicts within the party. Many members are waiting for a decision from former President Jair Bolsonaro, who, despite being ineligible to run for office at present, still harbors hopes of overturning his legal challenges.

During his speech, Caiado emphasized his administration's success in improving public safety in Goiás, pledging a tough stance against crime should he be elected. He stated that individuals involved in criminal activities would face serious consequences under his leadership.

Alongside Caiado at the event were several prominent figures from the right, including Senator Sérgio Moro and ACM Neto, the party's vice president. The presence of these notable politicians reflects a coalition of support within the right-leaning factions of Brazilian politics.

As he positions himself for the upcoming 2026 elections, Caiado is contending with other potential candidates from the right, such as Ratinho Júnior, the Governor of Paraná. Ratinho Júnior recently met with Bolsonaro, who has yet to endorse any candidate for the presidency but continues to play a significant role in shaping political alignments.

In addition to bolstering his own campaign, Caiado's pre-candidacy is set against a backdrop of ongoing political discourse surrounding an amnesty proposal aimed at individuals involved in the January 8 attacks. This proposal is seen as a crucial issue for Bolsonaro's supporters, as it could potentially influence the former president's legal standing.

The political landscape in Brazil is rapidly evolving as various factions prepare for the next presidential election. With internal party dynamics and external pressures at play, Caiado's ability to consolidate support within União Brasil will be critical to his success on the national stage.