Brazilian PT Councilor Eduardo Zanatta Takes Leave to Run for Congress as João Rodrigues Secures Gubernatorial Nominee

PT councilor Eduardo Zanatta from Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, announced a four‑month unpaid leave starting 13 August to devote himself to a campaign for a seat in Brazil’s federal Chamber of Deputies. During the same plenary, Aristo Pereira will assume Zanatta’s council seat on an interim basis.

On the same day, João Rodrigues was formally homologated at the Santa Catarina State Legislative Assembly as the PSD’s candidate for governor, with the endorsement of presidential hopeful Ronaldo Caiado. The event ran alongside Jorginho Mello’s re‑election bid for the state government, underscoring a competitive right‑wing field that also includes figures such as Flávio Bolsonaro and former governors.