Priscila Costa takes Chamber seat as Bolsonaro family feud erupts

Fortaleza councilor Priscila Costa (PL-CE) became a federal deputy after the Superior Electoral Court annulled the mandate of Dayany Bittencourt (União-CE) for irregular campaign spending. The court’s recalculation of the electoral quotient transferred the vacant seat to Costa, who had previously served as a city councilor.

Costa has been at the centre of a public dispute between former president Jair Bolsonaro’s sons, Michelle and Flávio. A video she posted showed her waving to both brothers and confirming she would not attend a pre‑candidacy launch in Ceará, instead travelling to Portugal for a conservative women’s meeting. The feud stems from differing support for the 2026 elections: Michelle backs Costa’s Senate bid, while Flávio backs Alcides Fernandes. The internal party clash has highlighted tensions within the PL as it prepares its candidate slate.

The seat change also affected other legislators, with the TSE’s decision leading to the loss of votes for other supplants and the subsequent assumption of seats by Nivaldo Albuquerque (Republicanos‑AL) and Paulão (PT‑AL).