President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva promised political support to João Campos, the PSB candidate for governor of Pernambuco, during a meeting in Brasília [1, 3].
The alliance signals the federal government's intent to maintain political alignment in the state and support Campos against the incumbent governor, Raquel Lyra [3, 4].
The meeting took place in late May 2026 [1, 3]. While the Workers' Party (PT) formally supports Campos, reports indicate that Lula may avoid appearing on campaign stages, or palanques, within Pernambuco [3].
Campos has positioned himself as a loyal ally of the president. "I am a soldier of Lula and I count on the support of the president," Campos said [2].
Recent polling suggests Campos holds a lead in the race. He currently leads the first-round poll in Pernambuco with 42% support [5]. Incumbent Governor Raquel Lyra holds 34% in the same poll [5].
Lyra has pushed back against the notion of political dominance in the region. "Pernambuco has no owner," Lyra said [2].
The political landscape remains complex. Some reports suggest Lula supported Lyra throughout her mandate, while current pledges are directed toward Campos [2, 4]. This shift in alignment reflects the shifting priorities of the federal government as the gubernatorial race intensifies.
“"I am a soldier of Lula and I count on the support of the president."”
The endorsement of João Campos represents a strategic effort by the Lula administration to secure a friendly government in Pernambuco. By backing the PSB candidate over the incumbent, the federal government is prioritizing a consolidated left-wing coalition to ensure legislative and administrative cooperation in the northeast region.
