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Ricardo Salles withdraws from São Paulo Senate race
Ricardo Salles, a federal deputy from the Novo party, has withdrawn his candidacy for the Senate in São Paulo just six days before the first round of the 2026 elections. The announcement was made alongside São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. Salles stated that his decision aims to prevent the division of right-wing votes, declaring his support for candidates Guilherme Derrite (PP) and André do Prado (PL).
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas described the move as a strategic arrangement to secure two Senate seats for the political group. While Salles' withdrawal is seen as a unifying move by allies, it has drawn criticism from progressive candidates Simone Tebet (PSB) and Marina Silva (Rede), who characterized the decision as a surrender to the 'Centrão'.
Because the withdrawal occurred so close to the election, Salles' name and photo will remain on the electronic ballots. According to electoral rules, any votes cast for him will be considered null and will not be transferred to his endorsed candidates. The decision also follows debates regarding Salles' campaign finances, which included millions in public funds from the Party and Electoral Funds.
Entities
André do Prado · Deltan Dallagnol · Guilherme Derrite · JHC · Marluce Caldas · Novo · Novo party · Renan Filho · Ricardo Salles · Simone Tebet · São Paulo · Tarcísio de Freitas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Ricardo Salles withdrew his candidacy for the Senate in São Paulo. vtvnews.com.br · www.dgabc.com.br · www.conexaopolitica.com.br · www.cartacapital.com.br · correiodobrasil.com.br · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Salles declared support for candidates Guilherme Derrite and André do Prado. vtvnews.com.br · www.dgabc.com.br · www.conexaopolitica.com.br · www.cartacapital.com.br · correiodobrasil.com.br · +3 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Salles stated he will continue to support Romeu Zema as the Novo party candidate for president. correiodobrasil.com.br · vtvnews.com.br
- [● 10 SOURCES] Governor Tarcísio de Freitas described the decision as an important arrangement to secure two Senate seats for the group. vtvnews.com.br · www.dgabc.com.br · www.conexaopolitica.com.br · correiodobrasil.com.br · agazetarm.com.br · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] A Datafolha poll showed Salles with 4% of the intended votes for the Senate. www.dgabc.com.br · vtvnews.com.br · br.paipee.com · www.areavip.com.br · diariodecampogrande.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Novo party considered Salles' withdrawal a strategic retreat despite his campaign receiving R$ 3.6 million from the party. www.estadao.com.br · diariodecampogrande.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Soninha Francine declared support for Simone Tebet as a second option for the Senate in SP. br.paipee.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Votes cast for Salles will be considered null and will not be transferred to other candidates. www.estadao.com.br