Garotinho barred by TRE-RJ

The Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) unanimously rejected Anthony Garotinho's candidacy for state governor, citing the suspension of his political rights for 8 years due to a final conviction for administrative misconduct. Garotinho can appeal to the TSE.

candidacy rejection due to suspension of political rights

On Friday (11), the TRE-RJ rejected the candidacy registration of Garotinho, who is affiliated with the Republicanos party. The decision was based on the 8-year suspension of his political rights, stemming from a final conviction for administrative misconduct involving the embezzlement of healthcare funds during his tenure as Secretary of Government under the administration of his wife, former Governor Rosinha Garotinho.

conviction and suspension in detail

According to the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE), the conviction became final and unappealable on July 11, 2025, when there was no longer any possibility of appeal. In August, the Court ordered the final execution of the sentence and notified the TRE-RJ and the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) of the suspension of Garotinho's political rights, which prevents him from voting or running for office.

defense argues suspension has expired

Garotinho's defense filed a request to postpone the trial on Thursday night (10), but the Court denied the request. The defense maintains that he still meets the eligibility criteria, claiming that the calculation of the suspension of political rights expired on August 1st. The regional electoral prosecutor, Flávio Paixão, stated that "He cannot vote nor be voted for."

possibility of appeal to the TSE

Garotinho still has the option of appealing to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to try to participate in the race for Guanabara Palace. The TRE-RJ's decision, however, bars his candidacy registration in the 2026 elections.

coalition and political context

Garotinho's ticket, formed by the "Courage to Change" coalition, includes the Republicanos and Democratas parties. Despite the decision, the defense maintains that there is no surprise in the process and that the electoral campaign will not be affected, as recently decided by the TSE.

With information from G1.