Brazil elections 2022: Ex-Governor of Sâo Paulo Doria renounces his presidential candidacy

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The former governor of São Paulo state João Doria (PSDB) announced on Monday (23) that he renounced his candidacy for president of Brazil. The party leadership wanted Doria’s name withdrawn from the race so that they could support a single candidacy of the so-called third way.

“I understand that I am not the choice of the summit of the PSDB,” he said. “I withdraw from this dispute with a wounded heart but a light soul,” he added.

The announcement came after a meeting between Doria and party president Bruno Araújo and the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Adolfo Viana, and the Senate, Izalci Lucas.

In his speech, the politician recalled his career in São Paulo politics and said he was confident that Rodrigo Garcia (PSDB) would win the São Paulo state government in 2022. The former governor also cited former São Paulo Mayor Bruno Covas, who died last year.

Without mentioning Simone Tebet’s (MDB) name, who is being touted as the top candidate for the 3rd Way, Doria said the PSDB would know “how best to position itself for the elections this year.”

Doria cried at the end of the speech. In his statement, he apologized for his mistakes and thanked the Paulistas and Paulistanos who elected him and the PSDB fighters.

“I leave as I entered politics: full of ideals, with a soul full of hope and a beating heart, trusting in the strength of the Brazilian people who believe in life and God,” he said.

Read João Doria’s full speech here.

With information from Poder360