Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, has decided to resign from his position to pursue a run for the state governorship. This resignation comes on the heels of accusations of breaking campaign promises, as well as a shift in his rhetoric, aligning more closely with bolsonarist language, particularly in the context of public security and transportation. The use of terms like "neutralize" to describe police actions against criminals indicates a tough stance aimed at resonating with bolsonarist voters, which forms a significant demographic in Rio.

During his last week in office, Paes clashed with the current state governor, Cláudio Castro, notably on issues related to transport and public safety. Despite positioning himself closer to figures associated with the Bolsonaro political family, he maintains his support for President Lula, indicating a calculated approach to navigate the political landscape of a state that has historically shown divided allegiance between the two leaders. This complex relationship reflects the challenging dynamics within Brazilian politics, particularly in regions where political affiliations are deeply polarized.

Looking ahead, Paes has proposed Washington Reis as his vice-presidential candidate, further entrenching his ties with figures aligned with the Bolsonaro family. This move has raised eyebrows given that Paes reportedly has Lula's blessing to make such political maneuvers, emphasizing the fluidity of alliances in an electoral context where recent history has shown stark contrasts in voter preferences. As he transitions from mayor to gubernatorial candidate, the implications of his actions promise to reshape the political landscape in Rio.