Presidential and Gubernatorial Candidates Conduct Third Day of Campaign Activities Across Brazil

Presidential and gubernatorial candidates across Brazil carried out a wide range of campaign activities on Tuesday, August 18, marking the third official day of the 2026 election cycle. The day was characterized by a mix of public rallies, questioning sessions, and strategic meetings in several states and the Federal District.

Presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro of the PL focused his efforts on Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. He conducted a walk in the Barreiro region and visited a cafeteria in the city center. Bolsonaro emphasized the strategic importance of Minas Gerais, stating that whoever wins in the state wins the national election. His proposals included reducing taxes, creating jobs, and simplifying environmental licensing for the extraction of rare minerals. While center leaning reports highlighted his comments on the strategic value of Minas Gerais, center left reports focused more on his specific economic and environmental proposals.

Other presidential candidates maintained active schedules. Ronaldo Caiado of the PSD campaigned in São Paulo and Brasília, where he discussed health care and the Bolsa Família program. Renan Santos of the Missão party campaigned in Brasília and Paraíba, advocating for the abolition of the Labor Court and the maintenance of the six by one work scale. Augusto Cury of the Avante party focused on entrepreneurship and BNDES reform during events in Brasília and São Paulo. President Lula visited the Aramar Nuclear Industrial Center in São Paulo as part of his official duties.

At the state level, candidates for the government of Maranhão, including Felipe Camarão, Eduardo Braide, and Roberto Rocha, presented proposals on public management and digitalization. In Amapá, Clécio Luís met with the real estate sector and conducted walks in Macapá and Santana. In Ceará, candidates including Ciro Gomes and Elmano de Freitas concentrated their activities in Fortaleza. In Pernambuco, Raquel Lyra discussed the construction of daycares, while Ivan Moraes advocated for the re-nationalization of the metro and sanitation services.

In the Federal District, candidates for governor adopted varied strategies. Kiko Caputo and Leandro Grass engaged in street outreach, while Celina Leão and Paula Belmonte focused on internal meetings and legislative duties.