Senator must meet with PT president this Monday (May 11); possible departure of Bruno Dantas could pave the way for TCU
The president of the PT, (PT), should meet this Monday (May 11, 2026) with senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSB) to discuss the political future of the former president of the Senate in 2026. The conversation was organized at the request of the president (PT).
Pacheco has shown a preference for running for government of Minas Gerais instead of taking on the vacancy that could be opened with the departure of Bruno Dantas from the TCU (Federal Audit Court).
The vacancy at TCU would be a “stroke” from the president (União Brasil-AP) to Pacheco. If the senator from Minas Gerais wants, he will be Amapá’s nominee to the court and must be approved by the Senate plenary without difficulties.
The assessment around Pacheco, however, is that going to the Court, at this moment, would be a career-ending move and that running for government of a State would bring more visibility.
After the meeting with Edinho, the expectation is that Pacheco will also speak directly with Lula. PT members assess that the party already offers the senator the necessary political support for a possible candidacy for Palácio Tiradentes, including a platform and party coordination in Minas.
On Pacheco’s side, however, the assessment is that the senator seeks more than just the formal support of the PT. He wants a consolidated political structure to enter the dispute, with effective mobilization of leaders and activists around his candidacy.
The expectation among interlocutors is that part of these demands will be discussed in the subsequent meeting with Lula, which could take place by the end of the week. The PT member that there is no “plan B” for succession in Minas Gerais.
Pacheco is well regarded by Lula. He was considered several times for a position at Esplanada – including the Ministries of Defense and Justice. It is also close to Alcolumbre: he was the Senate president’s favorite for a vacancy on the STF. He was passed over by the PT member, which displeased Alcolumbre and led to the rejection of Jorge Messias.
Give the survey a question that Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicans) has 30% to 37% of voting intentions for the government of Minas Gerais.
3 1st round scenarios were considered with the name of the congressman. In a 4th scenario, without Cleitinho, the former mayor of Belo Horizonte Alexandre Kalil (PDT) appears with 18% of voting intentions, followed by Pacheco, with 12%.
