Fábio Garcia withdraws from Mato Grosso vice-governor race

Federal Deputy Fábio Garcia has officially withdrawn from his candidacy for Vice Governor of Mato Grosso, opting instead to run for reelection to the Chamber of Deputies. This decision follows the impact of Operação Heritage, a Federal Police investigation into a R$ 308 million agreement between the state government and the telecommunications company Oi.

The withdrawal was prompted by judicial restrictions imposed by Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino, which prohibit communication and proximity between Garcia, former Governor Mauro Mendes, and former Chief of Staff Mauro Carvalho. Garcia stated that these legal constraints would make running a joint campaign for the state executive ticket unfeasible.

Mato Grosso Governor Otaviano Pivetta expressed sadness over the situation but confirmed the decision was reached by consensus within the political group. With the vice-governor slot now vacant, several names are being considered to recompose the ticket, including Federal Deputy Gisela Simona, Alessandra Ferreira, and Rogério Gallo.