Paes will share the stage with Lula and a 'dirty record' Bolsonarista
Eduardo Paes may select Jane Reis, a little-known lawyer and former candidate for mayor, as his running mate for vice-governor of Rio de Janeiro, to strengthen his electoral coalition.
In the upcoming elections for vice-governor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes is reportedly considering Jane Reis as his running mate. Reis, who previously ran for the mayoralty of Magé in 2020, garnered only 5.92% of votes, indicating that she is relatively unknown to the broader population. However, her selection could bring several strategic advantages, such as attracting female voters, strengthening ties with evangelical communities, and increasing the political footprint of the coalition in the Baixada region and the interior of the state.
The choice of Jane Reis represents a calculated move by Paes to enhance his appeal by diversifying his electoral ticket. Her connections with the Assembly of God, an influential evangelical institution in Brazil, could help him engage with a crucial group of voters that he aims to capture. Additionally, by incorporating the MDB party into his coalition with the PSD and PT, Paes could potentially weaken support for the Bolsonarista faction within the state, which has been significant since Bolsonaro's presidency.
However, this strategy poses risks given Reis's low name recognition among voters and her previous election performance. While she may symbolize a fresh perspective and alternative for the electorate, the question remains whether her candidacy can resonate enough to translate into votes on election day. As the elections approach, Paes's decision will likely be scrutinized, particularly as he seeks not only to secure his position but to challenge the current political landscape in Rio de Janeiro.