Brazil Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho to Resign in April for 2026 Senate Bid

Overview

• He announced on Jan. 13 that he will leave the ministry in April to pursue a Senate seat for Pernambuco in the 2026 election.
• He said the timing follows Brazil’s desincompatibilização rules that require officeholders to step down before running.
• He has informed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the decision and says he will campaign alongside the president.
• He cites internal polling that shows his name gaining recognition and supports the viability of his pre-candidacy.
• He plans to finish ministry agendas through April before shifting to alliance-building, drawing on a career that includes roles as Recife’s youngest councilor, state and federal deputy, and licensed federal deputy since becoming minister in 2023.