Target of Mensalão and Lava-Jato, Delúbio follows Dirceu and will seek a seat in the Chamber in 2026

A pivot of Mensalão and also a target of Lava-Jato, former PT treasurer Delúbio Soares joined José Dirceu on the list of historic PT members who want to be on the ballot in 2026. During an event in Goiás last week, he indicated his desire to run for federal deputy for the state.

“Alongside my family, I reaffirm my commitment to Goiás and make my name available to the Workers’ Party. Count on me on this journey and in this battle!”, wrote the former leader when publishing a video of the event, in which he asks for “political support” from the activists.

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In November 2012, Delúbio was sentenced by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to eight years and 11 months in prison in the context of Mensalão. Later, he was also convicted in Lava-Jato, but the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) considered that the federal court of the then judge Sergio Moro, in Paraná, did not have the competence to judge him.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly encouraged former PT leaders to contest elections again. Another person who received a summons from him was the former president of the Chamber João Paulo Cunha, also imprisoned in Mensalão.

— João Paulo, you try to return to politics. Stop making money as a lawyer in Brasília. Stop wanting to make money in Brasília, come to the factory doors and hold a rally — said Lula during an appointment in Osasco (SP), in July this year.

In August, at a PT event in Brasília, the president also made a gesture of support for several PT members who were away from party politics because of investigations:

— I’m happy that comrade Delúbio is present at this plenary. I think José Dirceu’s return to national management is extremely important. João Vaccari, (José) Genoino — he pointed out.