Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos-MG) announced Tuesday that he will run for governor of Minas Gerais in the 2026 elections [1].

The announcement marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape as Azevedo enters the race with substantial polling support. His candidacy signals an effort to consolidate conservative support in one of Brazil's most populous states.

Azevedo shared the announcement via a video posted July 28, 2026 [2]. In the footage, the senator said he would "seguirei na missão" — or continue the mission [2]. This phrasing suggests a continuation of a specific political or familial legacy, though the senator did not elaborate on the exact nature of the mission in the primary announcement [1].

His brother, Eduardo Azevedo, said to reporters that the senator would contest the 2026 elections [3]. The move comes as Azevedo holds a strong position in early voter sentiment; he currently holds 35% of voter intention for the governorship [1].

While the candidacy is now public, the method of announcement has drawn some scrutiny. Some reports indicate the video utilized digital manipulation to include the senator's father, José Maria, who died, and his brother Matheus Azevedo. Other outlets presented the video simply as a standard statement of candidacy [1, 2].

Azevedo's campaign is expected to focus on the specific needs of Minas Gerais as the 2026 cycle begins to take shape. The senator has not yet released a full platform, but his current polling numbers place him as a frontrunner in the race [1].

“"seguirei na missão"”

The entry of Senator Cleitinho Azevedo into the gubernatorial race introduces a high-polling candidate into the Minas Gerais political arena. By leveraging AI-generated imagery and a narrative of a 'mission,' Azevedo is attempting to blend modern technology with emotional, legacy-driven campaigning to maintain his 35% lead in voter intention.