In 1930, Gomes was freed, and once again was involved in revolutionary activities—this time with the intent of preventing president-elect Júlio Prestes from taking office.

With the victory of the rebels, the ouster of president Washington Luís, and his replacement by Getúlio Vargas, he remained in high military command and notably led the 1st Aviation Division against a communist uprising in 1935.

In December 1945 Gomes was the candidate of the anti-Vargas conservative UDN for President of Brazil, but he lost the election to Eurico Gaspar Dutra.

In February 1965, still as Minister of Aeronautics, Gomes signed a controversial decree that shut down Panair do Brasil, the country's flag carrier airline.

He remained as Minister of Aeronautics until the end of the government of Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, when he left public life (1967).