Azevêdo and Veneziano Win Both Paraíba Senate Seats

Overview

• With about 98–99% of ballots counted on Oct. 4, 2026, former governor João Azevêdo (PSB) and incumbent Veneziano Vital do Rêgo (MDB) secured the two eight‑year Senate seats for Paraíba and will serve from 2027 to 2035.
• Nabor Wanderley (Republicanos), who finished third with roughly 20.8% of the vote, failed to win a seat in a result widely seen as a political setback for his son Hugo Motta's effort to expand the family's presence in Brasília.
• João Azevêdo resigned the governorship in April 2026 to run for the Senate, a move that positioned him as the top vote‑getter in the contest and closed his second term early.
• President Lula publicly backed Veneziano — including a video appearance during the campaign — a high‑profile intervention that realigned support in the state and clashed with Hugo Motta's local campaign strategy.
• The outcome reshapes Paraíba's federal delegation by replacing one open seat previously held by Daniella Ribeiro, who did not seek reelection, and raises questions about future coalition ties and Hugo Motta's influence in state politics.