Marília Arraes to Join PDT for Pernambuco Senate Bid

Overview

• The former federal deputy informed Solidariedade she is leaving and is finalizing talks to enter the PDT, with a filiation event planned for March 12.
• A February Datafolha survey shows Arraes leading the Senate race with 36%–41% of voting intentions versus Humberto Costa’s 24%–26% (1,022 interviews, ±3 points, 95% confidence).
• She said her Senate run is irreversible and pledged support to President Lula and Recife mayor João Campos while seeking a place on the Frente Popular slate.
• PT has confirmed Humberto Costa’s reelection bid, leaving the other Senate spot contested by allies that include Silvio Costa Filho, who is viewed favorably by Lula, and Miguel Coelho, preferred by a wing of Campos’s group; Eduardo da Fonte is also cited as a contender.
• Solidariedade’s president, Paulinho da Força, wished her success and said the party cannot assure participation on another party’s platform, with allies describing her departure as cordial.