Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) resigned from Rio de Janeiro's government on March 23, one day before the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) resumes a trial that could deem him ineligible for abuse of power. He said he leaves 'with his head held high' to run for Senate and highlighted his administration's achievements. Tribunal de Justiça president Ricardo Couto takes over interim, paving way for indirect election by Alerj.
Cláudio Castro (PL), governor of Rio de Janeiro, announced his resignation on March 23, 2026, after a meeting with allies at Palácio Guanabara. 'I leave with my head held high, grateful,' he told the press without taking questions. The move comes one day before the TSE resumes judgment on abuse of political and economic power in the Ceperj case, involving opaque temporary server hires. So far, two votes favor cassation and ineligibility, paused by Minister Nunes Marques' review request. TSE President Cármen Lúcia scheduled continuation for March 24, against allies' wishes; emissaries to Brasília got negative signals from a minister on delaying, citing consolidated cassation trend. Castro avoided the trial, stressing his PL Senate pre-candidacy announced in February. He listed achievements like public security investments, sanitation concessions, and infrastructure works, indirectly criticizing ex-governor Wilson Witzel. 'The figure of the state governor has returned to being respected,' he said. His administration kept 'respect' with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's (PT) federal government despite challenges, avoiding 'low-level politics.' With no vice-governor—Thiago Pampolha left for TCE—Desembargador Ricardo Couto, TJ-RJ president, assumes interim and must call Alerj indirect election within 48 hours for tampão mandate until December. A March 11 law sanctioned by Castro eased deadlines (24 hours for desincompatibilization) and open voting, but STF Minister Luiz Fux suspended parts, mandating secret vote and six months prior separation. Castro and Alerj appealed to Fux on March 20, citing instability risk. Initial succession plan eyed Rodrigo Bacellar (União Brasil), but he was arrested and removed by Alexandre de Moraes (STF). Candidates like Douglas Ruas (PL), recently exonerated, may be sidelined.
