PT Pernambuco Backs João Campos for Governor, Confirms Humberto Costa’s Senate Bid

Overview

• PT’s Pernambuco directory, which met Saturday, voted 59–11 to endorse Recife Mayor João Campos of the PSB for governor.
• Party members also approved Senator Humberto Costa’s bid to seek another term as part of the allied ticket.
• The decision closed an internal dispute after a minority urged support for incumbent Governor Raquel Lyra of the PSD.
• The slate reported by allies pairs Campos with economist Carlos Costa of Republicanos as running mate and includes former federal deputy Marília Arraes of the PDT for the Senate.
• In a resolution, PT leaders tied the move to the national PSB–PT alliance backing President Lula, and local reports say Campos is expected to resign as Recife mayor by Thursday to enter the race, which would trigger a handover at city hall.