The PT's Rio de Janeiro state directory unanimously approved support on Saturday (18) for Eduardo Paes (PSD)'s candidacy for state governor and Benedita da Silva (PT) for Senate. The move aims to bolster President Lula's campaign platform in the state, where he lost in 2022. The alliance comes amid a political vacancy in the Rio state government.
The PT-RJ state directory officially endorsed Eduardo Paes (PSD-RJ)'s candidacy for Rio de Janeiro governor during a Saturday (18) meeting. The unanimous decision positions Paes as the main platform for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT)'s reelection, following his 2022 loss to Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in the state.
Benedita da Silva, former governor and congresswoman, was selected as Senate candidate, with councilor Felipe Pires as first alternate and pastor Kleber Lucas as second. The PT highlights her background in the periphery and evangelical appeal to reach conservative voters. The party forwent its own gubernatorial candidate due to lack of competitive options, like Márcia Tiburi's 5% in 2018.
The meeting addressed the local political landscape, including ex-governor Cláudio Castro (PL-RJ)'s resignation and mandate cassation, Rodrigo Bacellar (União Brasil)'s removal, and Thiago Pampolha's move to the TCE, creating a double vacancy. The PT advocated direct elections for the interim term, deeming it "the most adequate alternative" for popular participation.
Opponents like the PL, with Douglas Ruas, plan to label Paes as the "Lula and PT candidate." Tensions exist on the ticket: vice candidate Jane Reis backs Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) against Lula due to family ties.
