Following recent tensions over dismissals in the security secretariat, José Vicente Santini, advisor to Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, is expected to serve as an alternate for Guilherme Derrite's (PP) Senate candidacy in São Paulo. The move reinforces links between Tarcísio's administration and Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign.
In a sign of mending ties after February's dismissals of allies of former Security Secretary Guilherme Derrite—which Flávio Bolsonaro's camp viewed as a betrayal—José Vicente Santini, special advisor to Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), is set to fill one of the alternate spots for Derrite's Senate candidacy in São Paulo.
Sources indicate the position is secured for Santini, despite PP speculation on alternatives like councilors Major Palumbo or Janaína Paschoal. Santini, who leads the São Paulo government's Brasília office and has ties to Eduardo and Flávio Bolsonaro from Jair Bolsonaro's administration, is the brother of Nelson Santini, a security figure.
A Feb. 27 meeting at Palácio dos Bandeirantes between Tarcísio and Flávio Bolsonaro assigned the Santini brothers key campaign roles: Nelson for Flávio's national logistics, Vicente as liaison for Flávio's and Tarcísio's São Paulo efforts, including schedules and events. Vicente plans to leave his government post soon to focus on campaigning.
This development highlights deepening integration between the São Paulo state government and bolsonarista groups amid ongoing Senate race dynamics.
