Following the Carnaval celebrations, the 2026 elections in Brazil have taken center stage in public discourse. With President Lula aiming for reelection and Flávio Bolsonaro emerging as a key opposition figure, uncertainties abound regarding gubernatorial and senatorial candidates at the state level. While potential candidates remain uncertain, the financial rules and distribution of funding for the electoral process have already been established, influencing decisions across various parties and levels of competition. In Brazil, most funding is allocated based on parties' previous performance in the Chamber of Deputies, with internal distribution concentrated among party leadership. This setup incentivizes party leaders to focus on established structures and competitive candidates, which in turn limits opportunities for new experiences or grassroots mobilization within the party ranks. This dynamic affects not only the major parties but also smaller ones trying to assert themselves in the 2026 electoral landscape. As political figures in the PSD consider their strategies, there is significant internal deliberation about positioning themselves as the third way in the presidential race. The established rules and financial dynamics will likely shape the nature of candidacies moving forward, as parties weigh their options in pursuit of the presidency or congressional seats, underscoring the intricate relationship between funding and electoral strategy in Brazil's evolving political arena.