Lula appoints Teresa Leitão as new government leader in Brazil Senate

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on 25 June 2026 that Senator Teresa Leitão (PT‑PE) will replace Senator Jaques Wagner (PT‑BA) as the government’s leader in the Federal Senate. Wagner stepped down after a Federal Police operation linked to the Banco Master scandal and said the decision was made in “common agreement” with Lula during a meeting at the Palácio da Alvorada. Lula’s post on X read: “Designei a senadora Teresa Leitão (PT‑PE) para assumir a liderança do governo no Senado com a missão de articular o debate e a aprovação de projetos … como o fim da escala 6 por 1 e a PEC da Segurança Pública.” Leitão, the first woman elected senator from Pernambuco, is tasked with steering these priority reforms and maintaining the executive’s legislative coordination ahead of the 2026 elections. Wagner emphasized his focus on proving his innocence and supporting Lula’s re‑election campaign.