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Gilson Machado Joins Podemos, Launches Federal Deputy Bid in Pernambuco

He cast the switch as a response to what he called PL's weak organization in the state.

Overview

  • The former Bolsonaro tourism minister left PL after being denied a Senate slot and formalized his affiliation with Podemos on Feb. 12 in Recife.
  • At his launch event, he said PL holds no mayoralties in Pernambuco and that the party's social media barely features Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign.
  • He confirmed he will run for a seat in the Chamber of Deputies rather than the Senate, declaring a goal to be the most-voted candidate in the state.
  • He said he received “carta‑branca” to work to boost Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign in Pernambuco.
  • PL is consolidating around Anderson Ferreira as its Senate choice in Pernambuco; Ferreira took over the state directory after Machado's July 2025 arrest.