Since its founding 15 years ago, the PSD party has emerged as a significant political force in Brazil, arriving at the 2026 elections with the highest number of mayors in its history. Founded in 2011, the PSD secured its position as the fourth-largest political force in the country during the municipal elections the following year. The party, led by Gilberto Kassab, has a history of both supporting and opposing various administrations, having at times aligned with ex-president Dilma Rousseff and supporting her impeachment in 2016. Currently, the PSD holds three ministries in President Lula's government.

The party aims to provide an alternative to the ongoing political polarization in Brazil, which has increasingly featured prominent figures like Lula of the Workers' Party (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL). Since 2018, the PSD has positioned itself as a pragmatic third option, attempting to navigate the political landscape defined by right and left-wing conflicts. This strategy reflects the party's historical inclination to balance alliances between major forces while adapting to the current political climate.

As the PSD prepares for the upcoming elections, its influence as a governing entity is also showcased through Kassab's role as secretary of the government in São Paulo, signaling the party's ambition to expand its reach beyond local governance. This strategic positioning could play a crucial role in the party's efforts to capture votes from various demographics, bridging divides and presenting itself as a viable choice for voters disillusioned by the traditional polarized options.