Eduardo Bolsonaro withdraws as substitute senator candidate for São Paulo after ineligibility ruling

Eduardo Bolsonaro, former federal deputy and son of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, has withdrawn his candidacy as a substitute senator for São Paulo. The decision was announced by the office of state deputy André do Prado, who is heading the senatorial ticket.

Bolsonaro's withdrawal comes after he was convicted and sentenced to 4 years and 2 months in prison for attempting to interfere with an investigation into a coup attempt. The Supreme Federal Court's decision rendered him ineligible to run for office, and his inclusion on the ticket could have created significant legal hurdles for the right-wing coalition.

Fernando Fiori de Godoy will now serve as the first substitute, with São Paulo city councilwoman Rute Costa as the second substitute on Prado's ticket. Prado stated that he respects and understands Bolsonaro's decision, noting that Bolsonaro resides in the United States and is currently a fugitive from Brazilian justice.

"I am convinced that Eduardo will continue to be committed to the campaign, actively contributing to strengthening this project and mobilizing Paulistas in defense of the values that unite us," Prado said in a statement. Bolsonaro's endorsement of Prado had faced criticism from allies of his father, particularly due to Prado's association with Valdemar da Costa Neto, the president of the Liberal Party (PL), who is seen by some as representing a more pragmatic, less ideological wing of the party.

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I have the conviction that Eduardo will continue to be committed to the campaign, actively contributing to strengthening this project and mobilizing Paulistas in defense of the values that unite us.