The Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) held a state convention on Saturday morning, July 24, 2026 [1], to officially nominate Fernando Haddad for governor of São Paulo.
The nomination marks a critical step for the PT as it seeks to secure the executive leadership of Brazil's most populous state in the upcoming October 2026 gubernatorial election [3].
The event took place in Campinas [1, 2]. This location was a change from the party's original plan to hold the gathering in Ribeirão Preto [2].
Political parties in Brazil began the process of officializing their candidacies earlier this month. Conventions were authorized to start on July 20, 2026 [3]. The gathering in Campinas serves as the final internal requirement to place Haddad on the ballot.
Haddad's candidacy is a central pillar of the party's strategy for the 2026 cycle. By formalizing the nomination in the interior of the state, the party aims to broaden its appeal beyond the capital city of São Paulo.
The convention follows weeks of coordination within the party to ensure a unified front. The move to Campinas reflects a tactical shift in how the party intends to engage with regional voters, a strategy designed to challenge the incumbent administration in the state.
“The Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) held a state convention... to officially nominate Fernando Haddad”
The official nomination of Fernando Haddad signals the PT's intent to compete aggressively for the governorship of São Paulo. By shifting the convention venue from Ribeirão Preto to Campinas, the party is attempting to signal a broader geographic reach. This move is an effort to build a coalition that extends into the state's industrial and agricultural hubs, which are essential for winning a statewide election in October.
