Zema Selects Senator Girão as Vice Presidential Running Mate for Novo Party

Romeu Zema, the presidential candidate for Brazil's Novo party, has officially selected Senator Eduardo Girão as his vice-presidential running mate. This decision solidifies a "pure ticket" for the Novo party, a move that became necessary after Zema's attempts to forge alliances with other political parties proved unsuccessful ahead of the final deadline for party conventions.

In a joint statement, Zema and Novo party president Eduardo Ribeiro described Girão as the "best option" for achieving a better Brazil. Zema highlighted Girão's "courage and integrity" during his eight years as a senator, particularly in confronting "abuse of power, censorship, and the free rein of the untouchables in Brasília." Girão, whose Senate term concludes in early 2027, was a key figure in a dispute between former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro regarding the gubernatorial candidacy in Ceará.

Girão accepted Zema's invitation, viewing the candidacy as an "existential mission." He expressed a desire to champion justice, security, prosperity, and the defense of life and family, while reducing the influence of "untouchables" in public power. This move also means Zema's campaign will not have access to free airtime on radio and television, as the Novo party did not meet the electoral threshold in 2022 to qualify for the free electoral propaganda slots.