# Mato Grosso Senate race controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mato-grosso-senate-race-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-23T11:50:53.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

The Mato Grosso Senate race has been marked by controversy involving candidate José Medeiros (also known as Zé Medeiros). Leaked audio recordings surfaced in which Medeiros mocked his own electorate, stating, “You know my voter is the one who prays to aliens and drinks detergent, right?” In the recordings, he also discussed political strategies regarding the Supreme Federal Court (STF), noting he instructed his team to avoid mentioning the institution while expressing a willingness to “scold” Minister Alexandre de Moraes if requested.

Medeiros did not deny the authenticity of the audio, instead labeling the period the “dirtiest election in history” and suggesting his reputation was being targeted by orchestrated operations involving the STF. Following these leaks, digital activist Paulo Souza accused Minister Alexandre de Moraes of judicial persecution against Medeiros. Souza alleged that the Electoral Court interfered in the race by removing 1,500 minutes of campaign airtime from the PL party to benefit opponent Janaína Riva, whom he characterized as the ‘candidate of the STF’.

## Claims

- José Medeiros stated in an audio message that his voters are people who pray to aliens and drink detergent. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The audio messages were sent to Francisco 'Chico' Mendes, the mayor of Diamantino and brother of Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Medeiros is a federal deputy and a candidate for the Senate representing the Liberal Party (PL) in Mato Grosso. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Medeiros instructed his marketing team to remove all references to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) from campaign materials. (single source)
- Eduardo Bolsonaro defended José Medeiros following the release of the audio recordings. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Zé Medeiros accused of judicial persecution in Mato Grosso Senate race

Digital activist Paulo Souza claims Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes is persecuting Senate candidate Zé Medeiros in Mato Grosso by interfering with campaign airtime.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/z-medeiros-accused-of-judicial-persecution-in-mato-grosso-senate-race

### 2026-09-22: José Medeiros mocks voters in leaked audio during Mato Grosso Senate race

Leaked audio reveals Mato Grosso Senate candidate José Medeiros mocking his voters as people who “pray to aliens and drink detergent” while discussing political strategies regarding the STF.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-medeiros-mocks-his-own-voters-in-leaked-audio

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Cite as: Mato Grosso Senate race controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mato-grosso-senate-race-controversy