Patrus Ananias will run for governor of Minas Gerais as the candidate for the Workers' Party (PT) [1].
The nomination marks a strategic move for the PT to regain influence in one of Brazil's most populous states. By fielding a former mayor of Belo Horizonte and former minister of Social Development, the party aims to leverage Ananias's administrative experience to secure a victory in the 2026 elections [2].
The candidacy was officially confirmed during a joint convention held in Belo Horizonte on July 31, 2026 [1]. This gathering included three political parties: the PT, the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), and the Green Party (PV) [1]. The move follows a specific request from President Lula for Ananias to seek the governorship [3].
While the head of the ticket is settled, the choice for vice governor remains a point of contention among reports. Some sources said that the party is still in dialogue with the Rede, PSOL, and PSB parties to define the position [2]. Other reports said that Jarbas Soares Júnior of the PSB will serve as the running mate [4].
Ananias previously served as the mayor of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, and held a national role as the minister of Social Development [1]. His return to the electoral fray in 2026 [2] signals a push by the left-wing coalition to consolidate power in the region through a unified front of three parties [1].
The convention in Belo Horizonte served as the formal mechanism to solidify these alliances before the official campaign period begins. The PT's strategy relies on the high visibility of Ananias to challenge the current administration in the state.
“Patrus Ananias will run for governor of Minas Gerais as the candidate for the Workers' Party (PT).”
The nomination of Patrus Ananias represents a calculated effort by the PT to align state-level leadership in Minas Gerais with the federal agenda of President Lula. By utilizing a candidate with both municipal and federal experience, the coalition hopes to bridge the gap between local administration and national policy, though the uncertainty regarding the vice governorship suggests ongoing negotiations to broaden the coalition's electoral base.
