Haddad and his allies have not publicly confirmed his potential bid for the government of São Paulo, Brazil’s most populous state. However, initial discussions about the structure of the campaign began this week, and the date of the announcement has been closely guarded.

The initial ticket being discussed includes Planning Minister Simone Tebet as one of the candidates for the Senate. For that to happen, she would need to transfer her voter registration to São Paulo and leave the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB). She is expected to join the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB).

One faction within the PT supports giving the second Senate slot to Entrepreneurship Minister Márcio França, also from the PSB. A former governor of São Paulo, França is closely aligned with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and could help bolster Haddad’s campaign, particularly in the state’s interior. Another faction within the PT, however, believes the second Senate candidacy should go to Environment Minister Marina Silva.

On Tuesday (10), Haddad said the political landscape in São Paulo “is always challenging for the progressive camp,” but did not address a potential candidacy. He did confirm, however, that he will step down from his position next week.

“The first priority is to elevate the debate,” he told reporters when asked whether he would run against Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans). “Through debate and opposing views, the goal is to raise the level of discussion and proposals and not allow anyone to remain in their comfort zone.”

According to Haddad, further discussions are still needed with Lula, Alckmin, and Tebet. “It’s not just about the candidacy; we also need to define the group of people who will make up the ticket,” he said.

Haddad also confirmed that his executive secretary, Dario Durigan, is expected to take over leadership of the Finance Ministry.

“Dario has a very good relationship with the president and enjoys his trust. He has also been deeply involved in the ministry’s work for many years. He is an excellent public administrator,” Haddad said, while noting that the final decision rests with President Lula.

Durigan has served as the ministry’s executive secretary since the second half of 2023, when he replaced Gabriel Galípolo, now president of Brazil’s Central Bank. At the time, Galípolo had been picked as the bank’s monetary policy director.

A Datafolha poll released over the weekend showed Haddad with 31% voter support in the São Paulo governor’s race—13 percentage points behind Tarcísio de Freitas, who leads in all scenarios.