The former governor of Rio de Janeiro was accused of abuse of political power by 4 votes to 1 and cannot run for election until 2030
The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) formed a majority this Tuesday (24) in favor of Claúdio Castro’s accusation regarding abuse of political and economic power in the 2022 elections. With the majority, the former governor of Rio de Janeiro is ineligible until 2030, which prevents him from running for the Senate in this year’s elections.
The trial resumed this Tuesday after being interrupted on March 10 to have more time to analyze the case. The president of the TSE, minister Carmen Lúcia, marked the trial resumes on March 24. Until the moment of resumption, the voting score was 2-0 for Castro’s impeachment. With two more votes after the voting returned, the score was 4 to 1, forming a majority.
Ministers Estela Aranha, Isabel Gallotti and ministers Floriano de Azevedo Marques and Antônio Carlos Ferreira voted in favor. Minister Nunes Marques was the only one to vote against the conviction, so far.
In November 2025, the minister and rapporteur of the case, Maria Isabel Galotti, voted for the impeachment. At the time, the trial was suspended after minister Antônio Carlos Ferreira requested a view.
In this Tuesday’s session, the magistrate accompanied the rapporteur and voted in favor of the revocation. If understanding is maintained, Castro could be ineligible for eight years.
In May 2024, the Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) acquitted the governor and the other accused in the process of alleged irregular hiring at Ceperj and at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). According to the Public Electoral Ministry (MPE), Castro had an electoral advantage in recruiting 27,665 peoplewhich generated an expense of R$248 million. The body stated that the decentralization of social projects encouraged the measure.
Cláudio Castro resigns as governor
On Monday (23), Castro resigned from the government of Rio de Janeiro to become a pre-candidate for the Senate in the 2026 Elections. “Today I end my time at the head of the state government. I am going in search of new projects. I am a pre-candidate for the Senate. I leave with my head held high,” said Castro. To compete in the 2026 elections, pre-candidates must leave public office six months before the election.
