Governor Tarcísio de Freitas attacks Senate bids of Marina Silva and Simone Tebet

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) criticized the pre‑candidacies of Marina Silva (Rede) and Simone Tebet (PSB) for the state Senate, saying the women had not built their political careers in São Paulo and had received a “red card” from their home states of Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul. He contrasted this with his own move from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo, noting a double standard.

Both women denounced the remarks as sexist. Marina Silva called the governor’s stance “prejudice against women” and said he was applying “two weights and two measures.” Simone Tebet replied on CNN that she has lived in São Paulo for ten years, pays taxes there and does not need a borrowed address, adding that she is a Corinthians fan, not a Flamengo supporter.

PT pre‑candidate for the São Paulo governorship, Fernando Haddad, termed Tarcísio’s comments “free aggression against two women” and defended the candidates, urging debate on ideas rather than personal attacks. Polls by Datafolha show Marina leading with about 18 % of voter intention and Tebet close behind at 16 %, making the Senate race a focal point of the 2026 elections.