Lula Government Ministers Resign for Elections

The Lula administration is facing a massive turnover in personnel as the 2026 election cycle approaches. The Planalto estimates that 23 ministers will resign from their positions in the coming months to pursue candidacies in the upcoming elections.

Under current electoral legislation, any official wishing to run for office must step down at least six months prior to the election date. This creates a strict deadline of April 4 for ministers to vacate their posts. President Lula has already begun adjusting his cabinet, accepting the resignation of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. The list of departing officials spans nearly the entire Esplanada dos Ministérios, ranging from high-ranking economic portfolio holders to social area leaders.

The calendar for the 2026 elections is dictating the pace of changes within the federal executive branch. To comply with electoral laws, ministers intending to compete for elected positions must formally leave the government by early April. This requirement is driving a strategic withdrawal of key political figures from the administration.

The departure of these ministers is not merely administrative but reflects a broader political strategy. By returning to their home states or shifting focus to legislative races, these officials aim to strengthen their political bases. The administration is preparing for a significant cabinet overhaul to ensure government continuity while these political campaigns begin.

The list of ministers expected to leave is extensive and covers critical areas of the government. Rui Costa, currently the Minister of the Civil House, is preparing to run for the Senate in Bahia. In the economic sector, Fernando Haddad (Finance) is evaluating a bid for either the Senate or the governorship of São Paulo.

Several other prominent names are also exiting to pursue electoral goals:

• Gleisi Hoffmann (Institutional Relations) will run for re-election as a federal deputy in Paraná.
• Camilo Santana (Education) intends to run for governor of Ceará.
• Renan Filho (Transportation) plans to run for governor of Alagoas.
• Marina Silva (Environment) is mentioned as a potential candidate for the Senate.
• Geraldo Alckmin (Development, Industry and Commerce) may run for re-election as vice president or for a position in São Paulo.

Other ministries affected include Ports and Airports, Planning, Cities, Agriculture, and Culture. Sidônio Palmeira, from the Secretariat of Communication, will leave to manage President Lula's re-election marketing campaign.

While the majority of the cabinet is preparing to leave, there are notable exceptions. Two ministers who are currently federal deputies have decided to remain in the government rather than launch electoral campaigns.

Guilherme Boulos, who recently assumed the role of Secretary-General of the Presidency, has announced he will not leave the government to run for office. Similarly, Alexandre Padilha will remain at the head of the Ministry of Health. These decisions highlight a strategic choice to prioritize government stability over immediate electoral pursuits.

The coming months will be a period of intense transition for the Lula administration. With the April 4 deadline approaching, the government must finalize replacements for a large portion of its cabinet to maintain the functioning of the Esplanada dos Ministérios. The movement of these 23 ministers underscores the close relationship between the executive branch and electoral politics in Brazil, where ministerial posts often serve as springboards for higher office.