Novo Party Names Businessman Mauro Campos as Senate Pre‑Candidate in Rio de Janeiro

The Novo party announced that businessman and civil engineer Mauro Campos will run as a pre‑candidate for the Brazilian Senate seat from Rio de Janeiro in the 2026 elections. Campos, CEO of Grupo Aceplan Construções, previously placed second in the 2024 Volta Redonda mayoral race and has a long record of leadership in local industry associations. The nomination comes amid ongoing uncertainty in the state's right‑wing field, highlighted by the recent removal of former governor Cláudio Castro and the lack of clear candidates. Novo’s state leader Thiago Esteves said Campos embodies the party’s emphasis on ethical management, independence from the traditional political system, and a focus on Rio’s structural problems. A second Novo Senate pre‑candidate will be announced in the coming days.