Brazil 2026 elections: Candidates face arrest warrants and criminal ties

Investigations into the 2026 Brazilian elections have identified several candidates with legal issues. A report cross-referencing Superior Electoral Court (TSE) data with the National Bank of Penal and Prison Measures (BNMP) found nine candidates with active arrest warrants.

Most of these warrants are related to unpaid child support, totaling approximately R$ 95,221.88. While these warrants are civil in nature and do not constitute criminal convictions, they allow for arrest if the orders remain active. Among those identified, Bruno Souto Martins, a candidate for the Senate in Paraíba, has since resigned his candidacy. Other candidates, such as Carlos Alexandre Ferreira Silva, have claimed the debts were already paid or are being regularized.

Separately, authorities are monitoring candidates with alleged ties to criminal organizations. In São Paulo, the Public Ministry is contesting the candidacy of former mayor Ney Santos due to suspected links to the PCC. In Paraíba, former mayor Vitor Hugo Castelliano faces scrutiny over alleged mutual benefit agreements with criminal factions, and in Bahia, state deputy Kléber Cristian Escolano de Almeida is seeking reelection despite previous convictions and investigations into militia leadership.