Bolsonaro’s quest for a running mate is less than straightforward

President Jair Bolsonaro officially launched negotiations to find a running mate for his 2022 reelection bid, with current Vice President Hamilton Mourão set to part ways with the head of state before October’s election. Mr. Bolsonaro intends to handpick his VP nominee, but political parties within his coalition are already arguing that they should make the selection.

With Mr. Bolsonaro now a formal member of the Liberal Party (PL), the second slot on his ticket is likely come from either the Progressives (PP) party, Republicans party, or the Brazilian Labor Party (PTB) — all part of the so-called “Big Center,” a loose federation of mildly conservative rentier forces in Congress.

Led by the president’s chief of staff, Senator Ciro Nogueira, the PP has the inside lane. The party will already hold the House Speaker post with Arthur Lira until 2023, and Mr. Bolsonaro has just bestowed Mr. Nogueira with the power to give the final word on all budget matters. If the VP candidate does come from the PP, it is likely to be Communications Minister Fábio Faria.

The 44-year-old from the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte is a...