Tarcísio de Freitas and Gilberto Kassab’s loyalty debate publicly exposes São Paulo’s political rifts

A series of public statements and subtle political maneuvers has brought long-simmering tensions between São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) and his Government Secretary Gilberto Kassab (PSD) into the spotlight. The friction, previously confined to the inner circles of the Palácio dos Bandeirantes and the PSD, now openly signals a significant divergence in their political trajectories and ambitions for the 2026 electoral cycle.

The core of the recent conflict emerged in late January of a recent year, when Kassab asserted that Governor Freitas needed to forge his own distinct identity, separate from former President Jair Bolsonaro. He drew a sharp distinction between political loyalty and mere submission, a comment widely interpreted by the governor’s allies as a direct challenge to the nature of Tarcísio’s alliance with the former president.

This public commentary has underscored a perceived shift in the dynamics of the São Paulo administration, with implications extending beyond state politics to national strategies. The unfolding scenario illustrates a complex interplay of power, alliance maintenance, and future electoral positioning, especially as the political landscape begins to take shape for upcoming campaigns.

Public exchanges reveal deeper discord

The governor offered an indirect but pointed rebuttal during an event, stating that anyone who speaks of submission possesses no understanding of either loyalty or friendship. Freitas emphasized his unwavering commitment to his own values, signaling a firm stance against the narrative Kassab had introduced.

Kassab swiftly responded a day later through his social media channels, publishing a list of individuals he considers “good friends and advisors” throughout his political career. He also highlighted key endorsements he deems successful, pointedly including his backing of Tarcísio’s gubernatorial candidacy in 2022. This post was perceived by political observers as a calculated counter-move, reinforcing his role as a crucial political architect.

Interlocutors close to Governor Freitas acknowledge a noticeable cooling in the political relationship, indicating a shift in the internal power structure. Kassab, once a central figure in strategic discussions, has reportedly lost significant access to the governor’s closest advisors and decision-making processes.

Shifting influence and 2026 calculations

The appointment of a new Secretary of Civil House, known for a more proactive role in political articulation, further corroborates the changing dynamics within the São Paulo government. This move suggests a restructuring of key political coordination, potentially diminishing Kassab’s overall leverage.

Privately, members of Tarcísio’s political camp suggest that Kassab has been relegated to a lower priority for any potential vice-gubernatorial slot in 2026, a direct consequence of his recent public declarations. This assessment reflects a significant setback for Kassab’s aspirations, as the vice-governor position is a coveted role for future political influence.

The governor’s inner circle believes Kassab’s remarks about “submission” introduced unnecessary static at a critical juncture when Governor Freitas is actively working to consolidate his political standing on the national stage. Such internal friction can complicate efforts to present a unified front and advance a broader political agenda.

Battle for future electoral alignments

Beyond the personal friction, several other points of contention have been identified by political leaders in São Paulo, indicating a silent but intense battle for the 2026 elections.

One significant area of conflict revolves around the PSD’s aggressive campaign to attract mayors and parliamentary members across the state. This expansionist strategy has generated considerable discomfort among various sectors of the governor’s allied base, who view it as a challenge to established power structures.

Another major source of tension is the formation of a prospective electoral ticket. Kassab’s allies widely view him as keen on securing the vice-governor position in a future Tarcísio electoral project. However, the governor has repeatedly signaled a preference for retaining his current vice-governor, Felício Ramuth, complicating Kassab’s ambitions.

Differences in national political strategy also persist. Governor Freitas consistently maintains a public alignment with former President Bolsonaro. In contrast, PSD leaders advocate, behind the scenes, for the necessity of building broader bridges towards the political center, reflecting a more diversified approach to national politics.

Kassab’s impending departure and party focus

Despite the current political noise and evident friction, sources from both factions confirm that there is no immediate risk of a full political rupture. Kassab, for the time being, remains at the helm of the Government Secretariat and is still regarded as a relevant player in the political articulation efforts of the São Paulo administration.

Kassab’s planned departure from the state government is expected to occur in the near future. This move is largely driven by his desire to dedicate his full attention to the PSD’s strategic planning for upcoming elections across the country. He also believes, according to his allies, that it is incompatible to simultaneously serve as a state secretary in São Paulo while actively participating in campaigns in various other states, requiring a singular focus on party-building and electoral success.