At the start of the race for right-wing votes in Santa Catarina, former Rio de Janeiro city councilman Carlos Bolsonaro (PL) saw criticism increase over an alleged lack of connection to the state, a topic that had already been driving local political discussion since his name was confirmed for the race last year. Seen as an "outsider" by part of the Santa Catarina political class, he became the target of a more intense offensive.
Carlos Bolsonaro was included in Governor Jorginho Mello's (PL) re-election ticket at the request of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL). In the same composition, he competes with Federal Deputy Caroline de Toni (PL-SC), who is also running for the Senate seat.
The third candidacy in the race is that of Senator Espiridião Amin (PP-SC), linked to the Executive candidacy of former mayor of Chapecó João Rodrigues (PSD). The competition among the three names promises to energize the electoral race in Santa Catarina.
