2026 ELECTIONS
Ratinho Junior's presidential exit reveals Brazil's “third-way” trap
After months hinting at a presidential bid, Governor Ratinho Junior of Paraná decided not to run for office at all in 2026. Photo: Geraldo Bubniak/AEN
Before his presidential bid had even been formally announced, Governor Ratinho Junior of Paraná backed out of the race — saying he would sit out the general elections entirely, finish his second term, before taking the helm of the media empire built by his father, Carlos “Ratinho” Massa, a Jerry Springer-esque TV presenter.
Led by veteran political operator Gilberto Kassab, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) had been grooming Ratinho Jr as its standard-bearer for this October’s elections, which is set to mark the first presidential run in the party's history. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his political heir, made his move…
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