The race for the two Senate seats in Rio de Janeiro has generated betrayals on both the left and the right. The alliance between former mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD), candidate for governor, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) faces difficulties in attracting left-wing votes to Pedro Paulo's candidacy (PSD), who is seeking a ticket with Benedita da Silva (PT), the favorite in the polls.
In the PT base, party members of Lula are declaring support for Monica Benicio's candidacy (PSOL) instead of following party directives. The first PT member to endorse the PSOL candidate was Anielle Franco (PT), sister of former city councilwoman Marielle Franco. PT candidates for the Chamber of Deputies have also diverged from the party's orientation.
On the right, support from presidential candidate Bolsonaro for two PL Senate candidacies, Carlos Portinho and Carlos Jordy, faces resistance in the Bolsonaro base. Although Lula requested support for Pedro Paulo and Benedita at a rally in Rio's West Zone in August, loyalty within the bases on both sides remains a challenge.
