On the debut of electoral airtime on television this Friday, the main Senate candidates in Rio de Janeiro used their first minutes of advertising to make their political alliances clear. Candidate for Senate Carlos Jordy (PL) practically did not speak during his approximately one-minute program, yielding the leading role to presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, who appeared for nearly the entire segment.
The re-election candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) also marked his presence in electoral airtime, appearing in images and in the speech of parliamentarian Benedita da Silva (PT), who is running for Senate from the same party. The strategy reinforced the connection between presidential and senatorial PT candidacies in the state.
On the opposing side, former Rio mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) was the main political ally shown by candidate Pedro Paulo (PSD) during his advertisement. Paes's presence, who was once an opponent of Bolsonaro in the mayoral race, indicates the attempt to transfer popularity to the Senate candidacy.
Free electoral airtime on television marks the official start of party advertising, when candidates seek to consolidate their electoral bases and demonstrate strength alongside nationally prominent allies, such as the presidential candidates leading the tickets.
