Washington Quaquá backs Benedita da Silva’s Senate bid in Rio de Janeiro

Mayor of Maricá and PT vice‑president Washington Quaquá publicly reversed his earlier stance and declared support for federal deputy Benedita da Silva’s pre‑candidacy for the Rio de Janeiro Senate seat ahead of the 2026 elections. In an Instagram video he praised her, saying, “Minha senadora. Cê viu que eu sou um cara que evoluo,” and urged unity, adding “Não é hora de pensar com o fígado, mas de construir uma aliança.”

Quaquá announced the endorsement after a meeting with former Rio mayor Eduardo Paes and senator‑candidate Pedro Paulo, emphasizing a coordinated front for the state’s democratic and popular forces and calling for “dois senadores de respeito” from Rio.