Rio's Vice-Governor Resigns, Governor's 2026 Election Strategy Unveiled

Rio de Janeiro's Vice-Governor Resigns Amidst 2026 Election Strategy Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a significant political development, Thiago Pampolha, the vice-governor of Rio de Janeiro, has resigned from his post. This follows his recent appointment to the Tribunal de Contas do Estado (TCE), the State Court of Auditors. The move, which took place on the same day it was approved by the Parliament, is seen as a key part of Governor Cláudio Castro's strategy for the 2026 elections. Governor Castro's plan involves promoting Rodrigo Bacellar, the current president of the Legislative Assembly, to the line of succession. "The indication of Pampolha to the TCE is part of a broader political strategy," stated a source close to the Governor's office. This strategic maneuver positions Bacellar for a prominent role in the upcoming elections. The resignation has sparked discussion among political analysts who see it as a calculated move to strengthen Castro's political standing ahead of the 2026 elections. The timing of the resignation, coinciding with the parliamentary approval, suggests a well-orchestrated plan. While Pampolha's appointment to the TCE is a significant career advancement, his resignation from the vice-governorship leaves a vacancy in a key political position. The upcoming months will be crucial in observing how this change affects the political landscape of Rio de Janeiro and the preparations for the 2026 elections.