Brazil Senate race draws criticism from São Paulo governor and Rio Grande do Norte hopeful

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas of São Paulo, a pre‑candidate for re‑election, released a video attacking Senate hopefuls Marina Silva (Rede) and Simone Tebet (PSB). He claimed they “served Mato Grosso do Sul and Acre, and took the red card from Mato Grosso do Sul and Acre,” and warned they would not win in São Paulo. A Datafolha poll showed Silva and Tebet leading the Senate contest with 18% and 16% support, ahead of Tarcísio‑backed candidates.

Separately, PT pre‑candidate Samanda Alves criticised the Senate’s focus on amendments, describing it as a “balcão de negociação de emendas.” She argued that Rio Grande do Norte is under‑represented, blaming Senator Styvenson Valentim for limiting the state’s influence. Alves urged a shift toward broader political articulation, citing former senator Fátima Bezerra as a model for defending regional interests in Brasília.