Lula to launch re-election campaign in São Bernardo do Campo

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to officially kick off his re-election campaign on August 16 with an event in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. This city holds significant symbolic importance, as it was the birthplace of Lula's trade union and political career.

Allies of the president indicated that the campaign launch is still in the planning stages. The decision to hold the event in São Bernardo do Campo represents a strategic shift for the Workers' Party (PT), which had initially planned the launch in Ceará. The move to São Paulo, the country's largest electoral college, aims to concentrate the campaign's initial political activities in a state deemed crucial for the 2026 presidential race.

The campaign coordination believes São Paulo will be decisive in the election outcome. By prioritizing the state from the outset, the campaign intends to bolster Lula's presence there and narrow the lead held by the right-wing governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who is also seeking re-election. This strategy is considered vital for increasing national victory prospects.

The official campaign launch will occur the day after the legally permitted start date for campaigning. Prior to this, the PT will hold its national convention on August 2 in São Paulo to formalize Lula's candidacy and that of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. Additionally, on July 25, Lula is scheduled to attend the PT's state convention in Campinas, where Fernando Haddad will be officially nominated for governor of São Paulo, with Márcio França as his running mate.