Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais and presidential pre-candidate for the Novo party, is conducting a series of campaign events across Northeast Brazil [1].
The tour represents a strategic effort to nationalize Zema's image and reverse stagnation in election polls where he has seen low performance [1, 3]. By entering regions traditionally viewed as strongholds for the Workers' Party, Zema aims to broaden his appeal beyond his home state.
The itinerary includes visits to Salvador in Bahia, as well as Fortaleza and Maracanaú in Ceará [1, 2]. These stops are designed to introduce his platform to a wider demographic of voters as the 2026 election cycle progresses.
Zema also scheduled specific events in the state of Paraíba, visiting the cities of João Pessoa and Campina Grande [1, 2]. According to campaign records, Zema held an agenda in Paraíba on June 21, 2026 [2].
This marks the first time during his pre-campaign that Zema has traveled to the Northeast region [1]. The move is seen as a necessary step for any candidate seeking a viable path to the presidency, as the region holds a significant portion of the national electorate.
Campaign representatives said the goal is to improve his position in the polls by engaging directly with voters in these states [1, 3]. The strategy focuses on introducing the Novo party's ideology to a region where the party has historically had a limited footprint.
“Zema aims to broaden his appeal beyond his home state.”
Zema's pivot to the Northeast is a calculated risk intended to break his image as a regional candidate from Minas Gerais. By campaigning in areas that typically favor left-leaning candidates, he is attempting to build a cross-regional coalition to challenge the current electoral dynamics and escape a plateau in national polling.
