Rio PT Rejects Ceciliano Tampão Bid, Reaffirms Support for Paes

Overview

• State PT leaders issued a note distancing the party from moves to launch André Ceciliano for the interim governorship and restated backing for Eduardo Paes.
• Cláudio Castro plans to run for the Senate and must leave office by early April, which triggers an indirect election in the state assembly to fill a short-term mandate.
• Civil House chief Nicola Miccione has emerged as the preferred caretaker, viewed as a non-electoral technocrat suited to the nine-month role.
• Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential pre-candidacy has spurred the Rio right to organize a gubernatorial slate, with Douglas Ruas gaining consensus while Felipe Curi remains Bolsonaro’s preferred name.
• A projected R$19 billion deficit for 2026 and bargaining over key posts and the vice slot — with PP figures like Rogério Lisboa and Wladimir Garotinho in play — shape coalition talks.