Romeu Zema, a presidential pre-candidate for the Novo party, said he has not yet selected a running mate for his ticket [1].
The decision is critical as Zema attempts to build a coalition that maintains the party's image of integrity while expanding its electoral appeal. Choosing a vice president will determine the strategic direction of the Novo ticket and its ability to attract diverse voter blocs.
Speaking at the Novo National Meeting in São Paulo, Zema said that the search for a candidate is ongoing [1]. He said, "Ainda não tenho nome definido para o meu vice" [1]. The former governor of Minas Gerais said that any potential candidate must have a clean record, known in Brazil as "ficha limpa" [1].
Zema established a timeline for the selection process, saying that a decision will be made by Aug. 5, 2026 [1], [3]. This deadline puts pressure on the party to finalize its strategy before the campaign enters its next phase.
Amid speculation regarding potential alliances with other right-wing figures, Zema addressed rumors involving Flávio Bolsonaro. He said he did not receive any offer to serve as a vice president for Bolsonaro's own potential ticket. "Não recebi convite para ser vice de Flávio Bolsonaro," Zema said [2].
The denial serves to distance Zema from other political camps while he continues to evaluate options for his own leadership. While other candidates have already begun closing their tickets, such as the agreement between Caiado and Kassab, Zema remains in the evaluation phase [3].
The Novo party continues to prioritize candidates who meet strict ethical criteria to align with their platform of government efficiency, and transparency [1].
“"Ainda não tenho nome definido para o meu vice."”
Zema's insistence on a 'ficha limpa' candidate and his explicit denial of an alliance with Flávio Bolsonaro suggest a strategy to position himself as a distinct, moderate alternative within the right-wing spectrum. By avoiding early ties to the Bolsonaro family, Zema maintains flexibility to attract center-right voters who may be wary of more polarising figures, though the August 5 deadline creates a narrow window to secure a partner who balances the ticket without compromising the party's brand.
