Ulisses Gabriel's candidacy for Santa Catarina state deputy approved at PL convention

Former Santa Catarina Civil Police chief Ulisses Gabriel, credited with a major reduction in the state's crime rates, had his candidacy for state deputy officially homologated on Saturday, 1 May, during the Partido Liberal (PL) state convention held at Arena Opus in São José. The ceremony gathered thousands of party members, leaders and supporters from across the state, marking the formal start of the PL's 2026 electoral campaign.

At the same event the PL confirmed Governor Jorginho Mello’s bid for re‑election, and endorsed Senate candidates Carol De Toni and Carlos Bolsonaro, along with the slate of federal deputy candidates. Gabriel emphasized his platform will focus on public security, combating organized crime, protecting families, valuing security professionals and promoting economic development. He said, “I receive this mission with great gratitude and a sense of responsibility,” pledging to bring his two‑decade policing experience to the state legislature.