Rio de Janeiro electoral court candidacy rejections

The Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) has rejected the candidacies of two political figures for the 2026 elections due to alleged ties to criminal organizations.

Cristiane Brasil (DC) was denied registration for federal deputy following a majority vote citing evidence of involvement with a criminal organization involving firearms. The court invoked constitutional prohibitions against the use of paramilitary organizations in the electoral process and addressed the concept of ‘milícias de gravata’ (white-collar militias). The ruling also prompted an investigation into the Christian Democracy (DC) party for potential fraud. Brasil, who previously faced arrest during Operation Catarata, has alleged political persecution and intends to appeal.

Separately, the court blocked the candidacy of Vaguinho Neguinho (PRD) for state deputy. Investigations by the Federal Police and the Electoral Public Ministry suggested Neguinho maintained ties with rival criminal factions, including the Comando Vermelho (CV), the Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP), and various militias. Reports highlighted intercepted communications and photographs with militia leaders, alongside investigations into money laundering and extortion linked to a criminal group led by Juninho Varão.