Fernando Haddad calls Tarcísio de Freitas' attack on Tebet and Marina a free aggression

Fernando Haddad, the PT pre‑candidate for governor of São Paulo, condemned Governor Tarcísio de Freitas' remarks about Senate hopefuls Simone Tebet (PSB) and Marina Silva (Rede). Tarcísio had claimed the two women received a “red card” in their home states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Acre and would not win seats in São Paulo, while urging support for his own allies Guilherme Derrite and André do Prado. Haddad described the governor’s statements as a “free aggression” and “perplexing”, saying the debate should focus on ideas and respect for the candidates, who have served the public.

He added that even if voters disagree with the candidates’ environmental or education platforms, they deserve respectful treatment. A recent Datafolha poll shows Marina Silva at 18 % and Simone Tebet at 16 % of voter intention, ahead of other contenders. The exchange highlights tensions within Brazil’s 2026 election campaign and the broader contest for São Paulo’s Senate seats.