Geraldo Alckmin

Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin Filho (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [ʒeˈɾawdu ʒoˈzɛ ʁoˈdɾiɡez ˈawkmĩ ˈfiʎu]; born 7 November 1952) is a Brazilian physician and politician who has served as the 26th vice president of Brazil since 2023. He previously was the Governor of São Paulo for two nonconsecutive terms, the longest serving since democratization, 2001 to 2006 and 2011 to 2018.

Before entering politics, Alckmin attended the Universidade de Taubaté's medical school, specializing in anesthesiology, going on to work in the São Paulo Public Service Hospital. Alckmin was elected mayor of his hometown Pindamonhangaba in 1982, becoming a founder of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) in 1988. Alckmin first became governor of São Paulo in 2001 after the death of Mário Covas.

Alckmin was a candidate for President of Brazil in 2006 for the PSDB, losing to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the second round. Alckmin again ran for president for the PSDB in 2018, but placed fourth, not advancing to the second round.

Alckmin joined the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) in 2022 to be the running mate of former rival, Lula da Silva in the 2022 Brazilian presidential election. After the ticket's victory, Alckmin became vice-president. Alckmin is usually described by political analysts and supporters as a pro-business centrist, closely associated with the political and financial establishment.

Biography

Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin Filho was born in the city of Pindamonhangaba, Vale do Paraíba. Alckmin is the son of Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin and Míriam Penteado. According to Época magazine, Geraldo received a Christian formation from the Opus Dei Catholic prelature, and told the magazine that his uncle José Geraldo was from Opus Dei.