Leonardo Avalanche

Leonardo Alves de Araújo, better known as Leonardo Avalanche, (born 1989) is a Brazilian businessman and politician who has served as the national president of the Brazilian Labour Renewal Party (PRTB) since 2024.

2026 presidential campaign

On 15 July 2026, the PRTB officially announced Avalanche as its pre-candidate for President of Brazil.

The announcement followed the departure of Pablo Marçal from the party, making Avalanche the PRTB's prospective presidential nominee.

According to prosecutors, the group used forged identification documents and false information to influence the party's internal election and subsequently manipulated party and electoral records to consolidate control over the organization.

Avalanche denied all allegations. His legal defense stated that the internal election complied with Brazilian electoral law and the party's bylaws and argued that the prosecution's accusations were unfounded.

As of July 2026, the criminal proceedings remained pending and no final judgment had been issued.

Later that year, Folha de S.Paulo published an audio recording purportedly featuring Avalanche claiming involvement in the release of alleged drug trafficker André do Rap.

Avalanche denied any connection with the PCC and stated that the recording had been fabricated or generated using artificial intelligence.