Brazil’s Senate race could be a repeat of 2014’s presidential election

Brazil’s Senate is composed of 81 members (three for each state), who are elected to eight-year terms. In 2018, voters will renew two-thirds of the higher chamber of Congress. And while there are some interesting disputes, none will be as exciting as that of Minas Gerais. Dilma Rousseff, who was impeached from the presidency two years ago, could run for a Senate spot – which would pit her against Aécio Neves for the second time.

The Brazilian Report has examined the senatorial race in Brazil’s main states.

Minas Gerais

It hasn’t been confirmed, but Dilma Rousseff might be on the ballot come October. The impeached former president transferred her electoral domicile from Rio Grande do Sul to Minas Gerais, paving the way for a Senate race. And she would face none other than Aécio Neves, an incumbent senator and runner-up of the 2014 presidential election.

The state’s governor, Fernando Pimentel, is among her closest allies. But Rousseff’s potential candidacy has outraged allies, since it complicates previous political deals. In retaliation, MDB pursued an impeachment process against Pimentel, and could push the process forward if things continue to sour between the two parties.

Much has happened since Aécio nearly beat Dilma in the 2014 presidential election. The senator has found himself at the center of multiple corruption cases, and...