Sarney family to lose all elected mandates after 72-year streak

The Sarney family will be without an elected official in Brazil starting in 2027, marking the end of a 72-year political cycle. This shift follows the defeat of Roseana Sarney (MDB) in the race for one of two Senate seats in Maranhão.

Roseana Sarney, daughter of former President José Sarney, finished in third place with 16.37% of the vote. The two Senate seats were won by André Fufuca (PP) with 21.43% and Lahesio Bonfim (Novo) with 20.65%. Roseana’s current term as a federal deputy ends in January 2027.

The family's political influence began in 1954 when José Sarney was elected as a federal deputy. Over three generations, the family held numerous high-level positions, including the Presidency of the Republic, governorships of Maranhão, and multiple terms in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Other prominent members included Zequinha Sarney, who served nine terms as a federal deputy.