Aécio Neves opts out of 2026 elections, ending 40-year political career

Aécio Neves, the national president of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), has announced his decision to forgo running for any office in the 2026 general elections, marking the end of a 40-year political career.

Neves, who has consistently held elected positions since the early 1980s, stated that the decision was difficult, especially given his leading position in polls for a Senate seat in Minas Gerais. He expressed deep gratitude for the renewed trust shown by the voters of Minas Gerais.

His withdrawal from the electoral race is expected to impact the contest for the two Senate seats available in Minas Gerais, potentially benefiting other candidates such as Marília Campos (PT), Carlos Viana (PSD), Marcelo Aro (PP), and Domingos Sávio (PL).

Throughout his extensive career, Neves served multiple terms as a federal deputy, including a stint as President of the Chamber of Deputies from 2001 to 2002. He then served as Governor of Minas Gerais from 2003 to 2010 and as a senator for the state until 2019. He was also a presidential candidate in 2014, narrowly losing to Dilma Rousseff in the second round.

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This decision was especially difficult. Especially because, once again, I arrive on the eve of an election leading the polls for the race for one of the Senate seats. This new and repeated demonstration of trust from the people of Minas Gerais touches me in a special way, and for it I will be eternally grateful.