Flávio Bolsonaro Allies Urge Cláudio Castro to Quit Rio Senate Race Amid Federal Police Probe
A significant faction within the Liberal Party (PL) in Rio de Janeiro is advocating for the withdrawal of former governor Cláudio Castro’s pre-candidacy for the Senate. This move follows a Federal Police operation on May 15, 2026, which accused Castro of utilizing the state machinery to facilitate crimes linked to businessman Ricardo Magro and his company, Refit. Allies of presidential pre-candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fear that Castro’s legal troubles will contaminate their own campaigns, particularly given that Rio de Janeiro is Flávio’s primary electoral base. There are also concerns that the scandal could negatively impact Douglas Ruas, the PL’s pre-candidate for the Rio state government, who is viewed as Castro’s political successor. While some party members argue for patience to avoid abandoning Castro abruptly, others deem him electorally toxic due to existing ineligibility questions from the Superior Electoral Court. Party leaders plan to discuss the situation with Flávio Bolsonaro to reach a swift decision, aiming to prevent further damage from potential new scandals during the upcoming election cycle.
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