Since his transfer to Papudinha on January 15, former President Jair Bolsonaro has received 27 visit requests, 17 from politicians running in the 2026 elections. Several allies, including senators and deputies, seek Bolsonaro's endorsement for candidacies to state governorships and the Senate in various states. The visits aim to unlock regional electoral agreements.
Jair Bolsonaro (PL) was transferred to the Papudinha Penitentiary Complex in Brasília on January 15. Since then, he has received 27 visit requests, in addition to lawyers and family, with 17 from individuals running in the 2026 elections, including 12 eyed for state governorships or the Senate.
On Wednesday (18), Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ) visited Bolsonaro and stated he does not intend to run for another office if he cannot seek re-election to the Senate. "I want to hear him. It's important, it's fundamental, he's our greatest right-wing leader," Portinho told Folha before the visit. He proposed representing the PL in a Senate ticket pairing with Governor Cláudio Castro (PL-RJ). Bolsonaro promised to discuss the possibility with his son Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ). On the same day, Bolsonaro received Senator Bruno Bonetti (PL-RJ).
Portinho reported that Bolsonaro choked during the conversation, leading to hiccups, and that his speech was more paused than usual, appearing groggy and disoriented while walking.
Other visits include federal Deputy Hélio Lopes (PL-RJ) on February 7, close to the Bolsonaro clan, and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), who discussed Senate candidacies, advocating for a centrist name alongside Deputy Guilherme Derrite (PP), whose visit is scheduled for February 25, authorized by Alexandre de Moraes, the STF rapporteur.
In Goiás, Senator Wilder Morais visited on February 14 seeking nominal support. In Rio Grande do Sul, Deputy Ubiratan Sanderson (PL) plans to discuss his Senate candidacy on February 21: "I am the Senate candidate indicated by him." In Mato Grosso, Senator Wellington Fagundes (PL) scheduled for March. Other involved states are Rondônia, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes denied visits from PL President Valdemar Costa Neto and Senator Magno Malta (PL-ES), both investigated or without authorization.
