Fernando Haddad, former Minister of Finance, has officially been named the Workers’ Party (PT) pre-candidate for the São Paulo state government in the 2026 elections. This significant announcement marks Haddad’s full transition into campaign mode, with Dario Durigam stepping in to lead the finance portfolio.
The campaign’s central nucleus is already taking shape, bringing together influential PT figures within the state. This core team is set to meticulously strategize Haddad’s path to the São Paulo governorship.
Among the key members of this nascent campaign structure are state deputies Gilmar Tatto and Carlos Zarattini. Also integral to the group is Emídio de Souza, a trusted confidant and veteran campaign coordinator for Haddad, alongside Kiko Celeguim, who chairs the PT’s state directory in São Paulo.
Engaging São Paulo’s interior leadership
A primary strategic focus for Haddad’s campaign involves cultivating strong relationships with mayors across São Paulo’s vast interior. This outreach is particularly aimed at municipal leaders who are not closely aligned with the current state administration.
There is a perception within the PT that many of these municipal executives feel underserved by the incumbent state government. This perceived dissatisfaction could provide Haddad with a crucial opening to garner support in regions where current Governor Tarcísio de Freitas traditionally holds a stronger political base, turning a potential weakness into an opportunity.
Challenging current state policies
Haddad’s campaign intends to vigorously scrutinize and highlight potential areas of vulnerability within the current state government’s agenda. This approach centers on a few key issues designed to resonate with the electorate and differentiate Haddad’s platform.
The Sabesp privatization debate
A prominent point of contention expected to be heavily explored is the proposed privatization of Sabesp, São Paulo’s state water and sanitation company. The campaign team believes this issue represents a significant area of public concern and potential discontent.
Analysts suggest that the PT sees “problems at the outset of the contract and in the provision of services,” leading to “dissatisfaction in various areas.” The campaign aims to firmly establish a narrative that the privatization of Sabesp would ultimately prove detrimental to the state’s population, potentially leading to higher costs or reduced quality of service.
This strategy seeks to tap into public apprehension regarding essential public services falling under private control, presenting Haddad as a defender of public assets and services against private interests.
The campaign plans to systematically dismantle the arguments for privatization, emphasizing potential negative impacts on tariffs, access, and service quality for citizens across São Paulo.
Public safety and political alignment
Another critical area slated for the PT campaign’s focus is public safety, specifically addressing incidents of alleged police violence that have occurred under the current state administration. This approach aims to draw a sharp contrast between Haddad’s vision for security and the present governance style.
Furthermore, the campaign intends to associate Governor Tarcísio de Freitas with a “more radical Bolsonarismo.” This strategy seeks to juxtapose Tarcísio with the perceived preference of the São Paulo electorate for a more moderate right-wing political stance, thereby carving out a distinct ideological space for Haddad.
Campaign’s core team and immediate steps
The immediate steps involve consolidating the central campaign team. Key figures like Gilmar Tatto and Carlos Zarattini, both seasoned deputies, bring legislative insight and a strong connection to the PT’s base within the state assembly.
Emídio de Souza, renowned for his strategic acumen and long-standing relationship with Haddad, will play a pivotal role in orchestrating the campaign’s daily operations and long-term vision. His prior experience coordinating Haddad’s campaigns makes him an indispensable asset.
Kiko Celeguim, as the state directory president, ensures the campaign is deeply rooted in the party’s organizational structure across São Paulo. His involvement is crucial for mobilizing party members and local support.
Broader electoral landscape
To significantly bolster his position in the interior, particularly where the current governor holds a notable advantage, Haddad is expected to rely on the robust support of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. Alckmin is anticipated to join Haddad in touring cities across the interior, leveraging his extensive political network and appeal in those regions, irrespective of his future electoral role.
