Following Lula’s public appeal, former chamber president João Paulo Cunha (PT) dropped the hammer and decided to run as a candidate for the position of federal representative for São Paulo in the 2026 elections.
The decision was taken by a Labor MP in the last few days. The former MP has already informed allies of his candidacy and has begun forming a communications team for the pre-election campaign.
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State Rep. Emidio Souza (PT) was one of those notified of the decision. Emidio mentioned in the article that he should do a “duo” with the former president of the chamber in 2026.
João Paulo Cunha presided over the Council between 2003 and 2005, during Lula’s first term. He was re-elected as MP in 2006 and 2010. In 2014, he resigned from his position after his conviction in Minsalao.
Lula’s appeal to the former MP
Due to the conviction, João Paulo was disqualified for eight years. The deadline expired in 2022, but he did not compete in the elections that year. After Lula’s victory, the Workers’ Party member returned to traveling around Brasilia.
In July 2025, during an event in Osasco, Greater São Paulo, Lula publicly asked the former president of the chamber to run for federal lawmaker again.
“João Paulo, try to get back into politics, stop making money as a lawyer in Brasilia, man. Stop wanting to make money in Brasilia, come to the factory doors and organize a rally,” Lula said.
In addition to João Paulo, former Minister José Dirceu, who was also convicted and arrested in Operation Mensalao, has decided to try again for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2026 for São Paulo.