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Secret Senate Vote Rejects Lula’s SC Nominee, First Since 1894

4/30/2026

Summary

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The Senate’s secret vote rejected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Supreme Court nominee Jorge Messias, marking Brazil’s first such defeat since 1894.
The confirmation tally was 34 in favor and 42 against, falling short of the 41 votes required.
A Senate commission had previously approved Messias before the full-house vote.
Opposition senators, including Flávor Bolsonaro, hailed the result as a win for the opposition ahead of Lula’s October reelection bid.

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Story summary

The Senate’s secret vote rejected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Supreme Court nominee Jorge Messias, marking Brazil’s first such defeat since 1894.
The confirmation tally was 34 in favor and 42 against, falling short of the 41 votes required.
A Senate commission had previously approved Messias before the full-house vote.
Opposition senators, including Flávor Bolsonaro, hailed the result as a win for the opposition ahead of Lula’s October reelection bid.