As a deputy for the island of Pico, he became the president of the regional Political Commission of the PSD/Açores and parliamentary leader on 10 February 2011, succeeded António Soares Marinho. He announced his intention to become a candidate to replace Berta Cabral, following the 2012 regional elections, when the party lost to the PS/Açores. On 19 December 2012 he was elected leader of the party, with 92.6% support, promising ""enthusiasm and motivation"" to a position of ""enormous responsibility"". He was reelected in 2015, with 92.4% support.