[5][10] In April 2018, Azevêdo left SEIRHMACT to run for governor of Paraíba,[11] having his candidacy confirmed by the PSB state convention in August.

He beat out older political leaders in Paraíba, namely José Maranhão, who was the candidate of the incumbent government, and Cássio Cunha Lima, who gave his support to Lucélio Cartaxo of the Green Party (PV).

In response, the PSB apologized for making Azevêdo their gubernatorial candidate and asserted that his departure was a traitorous act that did not surprise them, because, as they alleged, he transformed his reelection goals into an obsession.

Following a denunciation by an ex-state secretary, it was alleged that there had been bribes paid to the Brazilian Red Cross to cover expenses since April 2018, during which time he ran for state government.

[19] (PSB, PDT, PT, DEM, PR, PTB, PRP, PODE, PRB, PCdoB, AVANTE, PPS, REDE, PMN, PROS)