Politics · Brazil · 11 hrs ago
Tereza Cristina seeks support as a third option in Brazil’s Senate race
Senator Tereza Cristina is building support to lead Brazil’s Senate after its next presidential election, set for February 1, 2027.
The former agriculture minister is seeking backing from opposition senators, centrist parties and the Senate’s women’s caucus.
She presents herself as a third option between incumbent Davi Alcolumbre and opposition senator Rogério Marinho.
Her stated priority is to become the first woman to preside over the Senate.
The contest is about securing at least 41 votes in the 81-member chamber, where the ballot is secret and party endorsements do not guarantee senators’ votes.
Alcolumbre says he has 48 votes, while Marinho says he has at least 40; the two candidates say they do not intend to run against each other.
They plan to reassess their bids from the second half of January, with the candidate seen as best placed to defeat Alcolumbre expected to continue.
Senator Tereza Cristina is seeking support as a “third way” candidate in Brazil’s Senate presidency race for 2027.
She is positioning herself between incumbent Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and opposition candidate Rogério Marinho.
Cristina says her priority is to become the first woman to preside over the Senate.
Marinho and Cristina say they do not intend to run against each other, and allies say they will reassess the contest in the second half of January.
The secret ballot is scheduled for February 1, 2027, and the Senate has 81 members.
- Who
- Senator Tereza Cristina is seeking support; her rivals include incumbent Davi Alcolumbre and Rogério Marinho.
- What
- She is seeking to become Senate president, presenting herself as a third option in the race.
- When
- The election is scheduled for February 1, 2027.
- Where
- Brazil’s Senate.
- Why
- Cristina says her priority is to become the first woman to preside over the Senate.
Tereza Cristina
Davi Alcolumbre
Position in the race
Tereza Cristina
Cristina is seeking support as a third option between Alcolumbre and Marinho.
Davi Alcolumbre
Alcolumbre is seeking re-election as Senate president.
Support
Tereza Cristina
Cristina is seeking support among opposition senators, centrão members and the women’s caucus.
Davi Alcolumbre
Alcolumbre is seeking support from government-aligned parties and PL senators linked to the centrão.
Marinho officially launched his candidacy.
Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said parties in the government coalition should vote in line with the Planalto Palace.
Alcolumbre is due to host serving and newly elected women senators at a breakfast at the Senate’s official residence.
Allies say the candidates’ prospects will be reassessed, with the stronger contender against Alcolumbre expected to remain in the race.
The Senate is scheduled to vote for its president.
- Senate size
- 81 senators
- Election date
- February 1, 2027
- Votes needed
- 41
- Alcolumbre’s claimed support
- 48 votes
- Marinho’s claimed support
- At least 40 votes
- PL Senate caucus
- 29 senators
What people are saying
at the appropriate time, there will be a convergence with the senator from the PP