The Novo Party officially named Romeu Zema as its candidate for the presidency of the republic on Monday [1].
The nomination marks a significant step for the Novo Party in the 2026 election cycle. By fielding the former governor of Minas Gerais, the party positions itself as a contender in the national race with a candidate who has executive experience at the state level.
The announcement occurred during the party's national convention held in Brasília [2]. Zema, who previously served as the governor of Minas Gerais, received the official backing of the party members to lead their ticket in the upcoming presidential contest [3].
Despite the confirmation of the presidential nominee, the party has not yet selected a running mate. The ticket remains incomplete as the Novo Party continues to evaluate options for the vice-presidential slot [4]. This delay in selecting a vice president is a strategic point of contention as the party seeks to balance its ticket to appeal to a broader electorate [5].
The officialization took place on July 27, 2026 [1]. This timeline aligns with the party's objective to formalize its participation in the presidential elections and begin the campaign process in earnest [6].
Zema's candidacy is expected to focus on the party's core tenets of fiscal conservatism, and limited government intervention. As the party moves forward from its convention in Brasília, the focus will likely shift toward building a coalition and finalizing the leadership team for the national campaign [2].
“The Novo Party officially named Romeu Zema as its candidate for the presidency”
The official nomination of Romeu Zema signals the Novo Party's intent to challenge the established political order with a candidate known for administrative austerity. The absence of a named vice president suggests the party may be seeking a strategic alliance or a complementary figure to expand its appeal beyond its traditional base before the election.
