The Workers' Party (PT) officially nominated Fernando Haddad as its candidate for governor of São Paulo on Saturday, July 25, 2026 [1].

Haddad, a former Finance Minister and former mayor of São Paulo, enters the race to challenge rival parties in the state's most populous region. His candidacy represents a strategic effort by the PT to regain control of the state government and consolidate its influence in the 2026 elections.

The nomination took place during a party convention. While CNN Brasil reported the event occurred in Campinas, São Paulo, UOL reported the convention was held in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo [1, 2].

Haddad will run alongside former governor Márcio França (PSB), who was named as the vice-governor candidate [1, 2]. The ticket seeks to build a broad coalition to appeal to a diverse electorate across the state.

During the proceedings, Haddad emphasized his commitment to the local population. "Vou devolver São Paulo aos paulistas," Haddad said [1]. In English, he said he will return São Paulo to the people of São Paulo.

The candidacy follows a period of political positioning for the former minister. In a previous announcement on July 19, Haddad addressed the nature of electoral competition [3].

"Você pode ter derrota em qualquer eleição, mas derrota política, nunca," Haddad said [3]. This translates to a statement that while one can suffer a defeat in any election, a political defeat is unacceptable.

“"Vou devolver São Paulo aos paulistas."”

The nomination of Fernando Haddad signals the PT's intent to leverage a high-profile former administrator to reclaim São Paulo, a critical economic and political hub. By pairing Haddad with Márcio França, the party is attempting to bridge different political factions to create a competitive front against the incumbent administration and other opposition blocs.