Brazilian politicians announce 2026 Senate and legislative pre‑candidacies

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) named federal deputy Pedro Paulo as its pre‑candidate for the Rio de Janeiro Senate seat in the 2026 race, noting his long‑standing alliance with former mayor Eduardo Paes. Paulo's record includes past accusations of domestic aggression, which were investigated but did not lead to a conviction.

In Rio Grande do Norte, teacher Samanda Alves appeared at a large rally in Santa Cruz to endorse her Senate pre‑candidacy, emphasizing support for President Lula’s agenda and promising to bring federal resources to the region.

Former Natal mayor Carlos Eduardo announced his pre‑candidacy for a seat in the Rio Grande do Norte Legislative Assembly and pledged backing to Allyson Bezerra’s gubernatorial campaign, positioning his move as a strategic effort for the União Brasil‑Progressistas federation.

Former Espírito Santo senator Rose de Freitas, after a series of withdrawals by other contenders, secured the pre‑candidacy for the state’s Senate seat within the governor Ricardo Ferraço’s bloc.

The Liberal Party (PL) is still deciding between deputies Carlos Jordy and Carlos Portinho to fill the party’s Senate ticket for Rio de Janeiro, with former president Jair Bolsonaro expected to make the final choice.