Haddad to pick São Paulo running mate by Thursday from Silva, Tebet, or França

Fernando Haddad, a former minister, announced on social media Wednesday night that he will choose his running mate for governor of São Paulo by Thursday. The choice will be between three former Lula administration officials: Marina Silva (Rede), Simone Tebet (PSB), or Márcio França (PSB).

Haddad's decision comes after a meeting at the Alvorada Palace with President Lula and other pre-candidates for the São Paulo state election. The meeting included PSB and PT presidents, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and potential Senate candidates Simone Tebet and Marina Silva. The group aimed to finalize the São Paulo slate before Brazil's national team match.

Márcio França has recently re-entered discussions for a gubernatorial bid after other candidates withdrew. Allies suggest França believes his candidacy could prevent the election from being decided in the first round. President Lula reportedly used the promise of a second-round presence as leverage to convince Haddad to run for governor.

However, França's potential candidacy has caused internal friction within the PT party. Many believe his presence on the ballot could siphon votes away from Haddad, rather than Tarcísio de Freitas. One PT official described França's recent actions as "inconvenient."