Eight politicians have already confirmed their pre-candidacies for Paraguay's presidency in the 2028 general elections. Most currently hold seats in the National Congress, while others come from the Executive Branch or municipal governments.
In the Colorado Party (ANR), four figures are seeking the presidential nomination: Vice President Pedro Alliana, former Minister of Public Works Arnoldo Wiens, Senator Lilian Samaniego, and Senator Luis Pettengill.
Alliana formalized his pre-candidacy in April through the Honor Colorado movement, led by former President Horacio Cartes. After months of uncertainty that generated internal tensions, his health was questioned due to previous leukemia treatment, but the Colorado leadership guaranteed he is in excellent condition. Alliana will announce his running mate after the October municipal elections and has already expressed interest in forming a ticket with Urban Development Minister Juan Carlos Baruja.
Arnoldo Wiens represents the Colorado Añetete movement, headed by former President Mario Abdo Benítez. Wiens faces an impeachment for alleged breach of trust related to the failed Metrobús project and recently did not attend the ANR's official candidate launch, claiming solidarity with leaders from his faction who denounce political persecution.
Lilian Samaniego is competing for the Republican Cause and accused the ruling party of controlling the party and the Electoral Court. Her movement was the last to join the unity events promoted by the ANR after the party primaries.
Luis Pettengill, from Republican Force, is a businessman and sports director. Owner of Frigorífico Guaraní, which handles about 10% of meat exports, he previously generated controversy by stating that premium cuts are not for the people, suggesting options like puchero for the general population.
In the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), three names emerge as presidential hopefuls: Senator Celeste Amarilla, Senator Eduardo Nakayama, and Central Governor Ricardo Estigarribia. Amarilla launched her pre-candidacy criticizing the party's tendency to cede structure to candidates from other political forces. Nakayama, who returned to the PLRA after failing to create the Freedom Party, maintains his presidential ambitions. Estigarribia, leader of New Liberalism, won the last primaries but has not yet formalized his candidacy.
Former Mayor of Ciudad del Este Miguel Prieto also positions himself as a presidential reference for the opposition, despite facing more than 40 legal proceedings for alleged corruption. He claims the investigations and his removal are maneuvers to exclude him from the 2028 electoral race.