Eduardo Leite, Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Leaves PSDB for PSD Led by Gilberto Kassab, Eyes 2026 Presidential Run

16 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Updated May 9, 2025, 07:42 PM

Eduardo Leite, governor of Rio Grande do Sul, has officially left the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) after 24 years to join the Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by Gilberto Kassab. The filiation ceremony took place on May 9, 2025, at the PSD's national headquarters in São Paulo. Leite criticized the PSDB, stating it is "leaving to exist," particularly due to its planned merger with Podemos, which he opposed. Kassab welcomed Leite to the PSD, announcing him as a pre-candidate for the 2026 presidential election and naming him the party president in Rio Grande do Sul.

The PSDB expressed regret over Leite's departure but noted he voted in favor of the party's fusion with Podemos. Following Leite's move, the PSD is reportedly seeking to recruit other governors, including Eduardo Riedel of Mato Grosso do Sul, amid concerns that PSDB may lose its last sitting governors. Leite affirmed his readiness and aspiration to run for president in the upcoming election, signaling a strategic realignment in Brazil's political landscape ahead of 2026.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.