Brazilian Senate race draws new endorsements and pre‑candidacies

Senator Vanderlan Cardoso (PSD) said he will run for re‑election to the Senate with the backing of federal deputy Professor Alcides (PSDB). Cardoso emphasized that mayors, state deputies and federal deputies will have freedom to choose candidates for the two Senate seats, noting that Alcides will join him and MDB candidate Dr. Zacharias Calil.

Deputy Duarte Júnior (PSB‑MA) confirmed his pre‑candidacy for the Senate representing Avante after a meeting with the party’s national leadership in Belo Horizonte. He cited internal polls showing his viability and highlighted his anti‑corruption record and support from party figures in Maranhão, alongside recent changes in the state party leadership.

Both announcements signal an increasingly contested Senate election in Brazil, with multiple parties positioning candidates and seeking alliances ahead of the vote.