Espírito Santo Senate race politics

In mid‑July 2026, Republicanos federal deputy Magno Malta used a legislative proposal to veto the Senate bids of Evair de Melo and Sergio Meneguelli in Espírito Santo. The move was presented as a way to clear the ticket for his daughter, Maguinha Malta, who was being positioned as the party’s Senate candidate. The veto triggered reactions from the blocked politicians, with Meneguelli hinting at shifting support to rival Ricardo Ferraço of the MDB.

A week later, local leaders in the state publicly endorsed incumbent governor Ricardo Ferraço (MDB) for re‑election and former governor João Azevêdo (PSB) as a Senate pre‑candidate. Municipal officials praised Ferraço’s continuity and highlighted Azevêdo’s unified political group. The endorsements illustrate how various regional actors are aligning behind different candidates as the Senate contest solidifies, reflecting ongoing intra‑party negotiations and broader coalition dynamics in Espírito Santo’s 2026 elections.