Kassab Says He Could Join Caiado’s All-PSD Presidential Ticket

Gilberto Kassab, the national president of Brazil’s Social Democratic Party (PSD), said he could become the vice-presidential candidate on a ticket led by Ronaldo Caiado, the party’s presidential hopeful and former governor of Goiás, in the 2026 election.

Kassab told Poder360 that the decision will be made only in July and that another ally could still be chosen. Valor Econômico reported that PSD figures are discussing a so-called “pure ticket,” with both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates coming from the same party.

A Party-Only Ticket

The move would strengthen the PSD’s role in a center-right presidential field that remains unsettled. According to Valor, the internal push also aims to reduce the chances of an alliance in which Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais and a presidential hopeful from the Novo party, would lead a joint ticket.

Kassab said on X that he was honored by party colleagues who had suggested his name. He mentioned former senators Jorge Bornhausen and Heráclito Fortes, described by Valor as among those articulating the idea, and said their views should be examined carefully.

“As president and member of the PSD, I place myself at the disposal of the party to listen to and accept any collective decision,” Kassab wrote, according to Valor and Poder360.

He added that “many stages and understandings” still need to be completed, both inside and outside the party, before the PSD defines the shape of its presidential ticket.

Caiado Has the Final Say

Kassab also said the final word should belong to Caiado after party bodies and allied forces are heard. Speaking to Poder360, he said the party is looking for the running mate profile that would “best help win the election and, later, help him govern.”

The discussion follows earlier talks between Caiado and Zema over a possible alliance for the race for the Planalto Palace, Brazil’s executive seat. O POVO reported that PSD members see Kassab’s entry as a way to increase the party’s political weight and reduce the likelihood of a Zema-led ticket.

Bahia Notícias, citing CNN Brasil, said the “pure ticket” option has gained force in recent days as an internal strategy to unify the PSD and present the party’s project as a viable right-of-center candidacy. It also reported that PSD figures see the broader right-wing field as being reassessed.

July Timeline

For now, the party has not made an official decision. Valor said, citing sources it heard, that the ticket should be defined in July. Poder360 also reported that Kassab said the choice will come only then.

Kassab’s name had already circulated in another possible vice-presidential scenario. Poder360 reported that he had signaled to allies that he could join a ticket headed by São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, of the Republicans party, if Tarcísio ran for president. Tarcísio, however, maintained his decision to seek re-election in São Paulo.

The PSD’s debate leaves Caiado’s campaign strategy open as Brazil’s 2026 presidential field begins to take shape. Kassab has not declared himself the chosen running mate, but he has made clear that he is available if the party and Caiado decide that he is the best option.