Jorginho Mello campaign targets João Rodrigues in Santa Catarina race

The campaign of incumbent Governor Jorginho Mello (PL) has intensified its attacks against opponent João Rodrigues (PSD) during the final stages of the Santa Catarina gubernatorial race. During free electoral advertising slots, Mello's campaign utilized footage regarding Rodrigues's 2018 arrest.

Rodrigues and his wife, Fabiana, expressed significant discomfort with the tactic, which Rodrigues characterized as “cowardly.” While the advertisements featured news reports of the arrest, they omitted the fact that the judicial decision was later overturned by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), after which Rodrigues served seven months in detention. The escalation has raised concerns regarding the deteriorating level of discourse in the regional election.