Roberto Rocha says Brazil's Novo Party was bought, pulls Senate bid

Former senator Roberto Rocha (PRTB) accused Brazil's centre‑right Novo Party of being "bought" to block his Senate candidacy. He said the party withdrew his pre‑nomination without his knowledge and redirected him to run for the governorship of Maranhão. Rocha claimed the party had previously interfered whenever he tried to join a political organization, stating, "Compraram o meu partido."

Novo subsequently endorsed Eduardo Braide (PSD) for the Maranhão governorship and Lahesio Bonfim for the Senate seat, while Rocha announced he would contest the state’s top executive post as a PRTB candidate.