Sergio Moro Wins Parana Governorship in First Round

Former federal judge and Senator Sergio Moro (PL) was elected governor of Parana on Sunday with 50.11% of valid votes, according to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) with 99.89% of ballots counted. The victory avoids a runoff and marks Moro's first executive office won by popular vote.

Federal Deputy Sandro Alex (PSD) placed second with 25.35% of valid votes, while State Deputy Requiao Filho (PDT) took third with 23.48%. Moro's margin over Alex exceeded 25 percentage points, or roughly 1.5 million votes.

“We will prove together that a government can be honest and efficient even in Brazil.”

Moro, 54, gained national prominence for leading Operation Car Wash in Curitiba and sentencing former President Lula da Silva to prison in 2017. Lula served nearly 600 days before his convictions were annulled.

The senator left Uniao Brasil for the Liberal Party (PL) in March, aligning with the Bolsonaro family. Flavio Bolsonaro campaigned actively for Moro, who ran with businessman Edson Vasconcelos as his running mate.

The result represents a defeat for outgoing Governor Ratinho Junior (PSD), who backed Alex. Ratinho Junior ended his term with nearly 80% approval but could not transfer his popularity to his chosen successor.

Moro must now resign his Senate seat, which runs until 2031, to assume the governorship. His alternate will take the seat.