São Paulo Senate race heats up as André do Prado launches pre‑candidacy

Deputy André do Prado (PL), president of the São Paulo Legislative Assembly, officially launched his pre‑candidacy for the Senate on 20 June in Guarulhos. He is running on a ticket with Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), senator‑candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL‑RJ) and, by video link, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who will be the first substitute. Prado appealed for “unity of the right” and said, “We must play as a team to win the elections and take care of São Paulo and Brazil.”

The right‑wing ticket also includes deputy Guilherme Derrite (PP) as the other Senate candidate, and party leaders Valdemar Costa Neto, Rogério Marinho and mayor Ricardo Nunes attended the event. The launch was marked by criticism from some Bolsonaro supporters who preferred a more ideologically extreme candidate.

Polling by Paraná Pesquisas shows former environment minister Marina Silva (Rede) leading the Senate race with about 35 % of voter intention, followed by former planning minister Simone Tebet (PSB) and Derrite. André do Prado trails with roughly 14 % support. In the governor’s race, incumbent Tarcísio de Freitas remains ahead of former finance minister Fernando Haddad, though his lead has narrowed.

The event also featured Tarcísio’s remarks on the national economy, denouncing high taxes, rising family debt and “disrespect” for Brazilian agribusiness. Eduardo Bolsonaro was later declared ineligible by the Supreme Court, a development that could affect the ticket’s composition.