Senator Esperidião Amin (PP) has cast doubt on his support for Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL-RJ) presidential candidacy after being excluded from Santa Catarina's Senate ticket by the PL. Governor Jorginho Mello chose Carlos Bolsonaro and Caroline de Toni for the Senate seats. Amin intends to proceed as a pre-candidate backed by his party.
Senator Esperidião Amin (PP), sidelined by the Liberal Party (PL) in forming Santa Catarina's Senate ticket, has expressed doubts about backing Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL-RJ) presidential pre-candidacy. In a statement to Folha's Painel column, Amin said: "Flávio has been my candidate since December, but now I don't know if it will be legally viable. I would like it to be, but we have legislation to follow".
Governor Jorginho Mello (PL), seeking reelection, selected former councilor Carlos Bolsonaro and federal deputy Caroline de Toni, both from the PL, for the two Senate seats. This decision was approved by the PL leadership and former President Jair Bolsonaro. Consequently, Santa Catarina's PP, which had planned to support Mello, may remain neutral or align with Chapecó's mayor, João Rodrigues (PSD), a Bolsonaro ally. The PSD is considering fielding another presidential candidate, likely Paraná Governor Ratinho Jr.
Amin remarked on the governor's early move: "The governor advanced the electoral process and made a choice. We will make ours at the appropriate time", he stated. He emphasized that the PL should explain its stance and that he aims to run for Senate reelection with PP and federation support: "I am a pre-candidate for senator, with my party's and federation's backing. The PL is entitled to its positions. We will take the position that suits us".
