Overview
- The senator posted on X that he was not asked about backing Eduardo Paes in 2026 and questioned how a ticket could host both Bolsonaro and Lula.
- Paes signaled at a Saturday event that he expects to be together with the PL in 2026, framing the move as being for the good of the state.
- Flávio Bolsonaro said the PL is testing strong alternative names for the gubernatorial race as negotiations continue.
- Reports say the PL’s Rio leadership rejects a shared palanque with Lula and requires Paes to exclude the PT, while the municipal PL chief tied any support to Paes aligning with Bolsonaro or his chosen presidential candidate.
- Allies of Governor Cláudio Castro and PT factions are tracking the talks, which could influence a potential Castro Senate bid, as polling shows Paes leading a fragmented right without a clear standard-bearer.