Overview
- Gomes formalized his filiação to PSDB on Oct. 22 in Fortaleza at a state-organized event led by PSDB Ceará, with the national directory keeping a low profile.
- Opposition leaders treat the move as a prelude to a 2026 run for governor against Elmano de Freitas, with previously floated names like Roberto Cláudio and Capitão Wagner losing traction.
- Analysts say the switch recalibrates the succession race by elevating PSDB locally, nudging the PL-aligned bloc toward pragmatism, and complicating the incumbent’s coalition strategy.
- PSDB Ceará hopes his arrival will attract mayors and bolster legislative tickets for 2026, though experts expect only selective gains rather than a broad wave of defections.
- Gomes left the PDT days earlier after disagreeing with the party’s alignment with Governor Elmano, positioning himself in clear opposition to the PT in the state.