Federal deputy Paulinho da Força announced his Senate pre-candidacy at an event in São Paulo, gaining support from leaders including Chamber president Hugo Motta. The gathering, masked as a birthday celebration, emphasized pursuing a third way in politics. Paulinho criticized polarization and did not disclose details about his ticket.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, federal deputy Paulinho da Força (Solidariedade-SP) launched his Senate pre-candidacy at a political event in a nightclub in São Paulo's west zone. The gathering, pretexted as his 70th birthday celebration, brought together various political leaders.
Paulinho noted he has been "much sought after and provoked to take a new step" and that he "does not shy away from responsibility." He called for breaking political polarization to seek harmony. Attendees included Chamber president Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB), Legislative Assembly president André do Prado (PL), PL national president Valdemar Costa Neto, and deputy Elmar Nascimento (União-BA).
Motta praised Paulinho as a "unanimity in the Chamber" and predicted he would reach the Senate to represent São Paulo. "But we will be neighbors working together," the Chamber president said. In response, Paulinho joked that Motta, who became Chamber head at 35, would be president of the Republic "in a short time," drawing laughs from the deputy.
As Solidariedade president, Paulinho ruled out an alliance with the left, criticizing the Lula government, and also lacks alignment with bolsonarism. He indicated a tendency to position himself as a third way but did not clarify his ticket for the October election.
