Daniella Ribeiro Senate candidacy challenges

Senator Daniella Ribeiro is facing multiple legal and administrative hurdles regarding her candidacy for a substitute Senate seat in Paraíba.

Initially, a legal challenge was filed with the Electoral Justice arguing that Ribeiro is subject to “reflexive ineligibility” under the Brazilian Constitution. The petition claims that because she is the mother of the current Governor of Paraíba, Lucas Ribeiro, she is prohibited from running for office in the same jurisdiction. The argument contends that her candidacy as a first substitute on Nabor Wanderley’s ticket does not qualify for constitutional exceptions regarding relatives of incumbents.

Attorney Olímpio Rocha has specifically cited Article 14, § 7º of the Brazilian Constitution in the petition. The legal challenge notes that while Ribeiro is a sitting Senator, she is not seeking reelection to her current seat, but is instead running as a first substitute on Wanderley’s ticket. The petitioner argues this specific role does not qualify for the constitutional exception that allows relatives to run if the incumbent is seeking reelection for their current mandate.

Subsequently, the Regional Electoral Court of Paraíba (TRE-PB) identified an inconsistency in Ribeiro’s electoral registration, which incorrectly listed her as a member of the PSD rather than the Progressistas (PP) party. Ribeiro has addressed this discrepancy, clarifying that the error resulted from a “mistake in the Progressistas National system.” She has reaffirmed her affiliation with the PP, stating she has been a member since April 2025.