Basilar’s arrest opens the door to outsiders in Rio’s elections

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Marcelli is nicknamed “Marsali from Rio de Janeiro”, in reference to former coach Pablo Marsal, who ran for mayor of São Paulo in 2024. Marsili has more than 2.3 million followers and has grown on social media by spreading professional training in areas such as public safety, as well as spreading digital marketing tips and life lessons against “diseases of the soul.” Linked to Bolsonaro’s mentor Olavo de Carvalho, who died in 2021, he was even seen to take over the Health Ministry in 2020, following the departure of Nelson Teich.

Due to the state conflict in 2026, the Novo Party contacted the doctor. However, over the course of the year, conversations with the acronym “calmed down”, but according to the interlocutors, the influencer was also approached by the heads of the Republicans and PSD of the state. Tested by Quiet in August, Marcelli registered 2% voting intentions, compared to 35% recorded by Bice, 9% for Basselar, and 5% for Washington Reese (MDB).

Basilar was arrested on Wednesday on charges of leaking information about the operation that arrested state Rep. TH Goias (MDB) in September. With the fall of President Al-Araj, the state of uncertainty opens the way for candidates from outside the field that is traditionally considered to be on the right in the state, such as Marsili.

In addition to him, firefighter and former military police officer Rafael Luz, who has already been launched as a pre-candidate by Misao, an acronym founded by members of the Movement Brasil Libre (MBL), is also on his way out. Luz, who is close to party president Renan Santos, who is expected to run for Palacio do Planalto, is expected to form a list focused on combating organized crime and combating terrorism, areas of his specialty that are addressed on social media and in his podcast appearances.

The work in the area also determined the selection of Sergeant Martins, assigned to the PMERJ Mobile Patrol Unit, as a deputy.

— Today the right-wing camp is very open here in Rio. I see names being thrown around, including Basilar himself, as representatives for Centrão. They dance to the music. I see our candidacy as the only right-wing candidate in the state, says Rafael Luz.

From the same field of activity, the name of former police officer Rodrigo Pimentel was tested in research. He also told GLOBO that he received calls from party bosses, but stated that he “did not sit down to talk to anyone” and ruled out the possibility of running for state office.

Through a speech that also focused on fighting crime, former Gov. Wilson Wetzel, targeted for impeachment in 2021, sought to put himself back in the race. According to allies, he was negotiating with parties with representation in the base of Governor Claudio Castro (PL). He was also sought out by small parties still in the process of formation, such as Igual, headed by Sergio Lenz, former Belford Roxo Labor Minister and ally of Mayor Márcio Canela (Uniao). In 2022, Wetzel also attempted to return to the race for Guanabara, but his candidacy was rejected by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) due to the loss of his political rights.

– From my point of view, the country has the ability to elect a right-wing candidate, and I know that the debate on combating organized crime will be central in next year’s elections. It is clear that my work in the district will be remembered by voters – said Wetzel.