Lula Sets New Supreme Court Candidate After Senate Rejection

President Lula faces a setback when the Senate rejects his chosen justice. The move shows growing political tension in Brazil as the October election looms. Lula, who may run for a fourth term, must act quickly to keep his plan on track. A similar pause happened in the United States when Congress delayed a Supreme Court nominee before an election. That delay let a new president appoint several justices, shifting the court’s balance. Lula’s opponents argue he should wait until after the vote to choose a replacement. If the Senate does not confirm a nominee this year, the incoming president could appoint up to four justices. This power could change the court’s ideology. Two of the current judges were appointed by former President Bolsonaro, a right‑wing leader.Lula’s first pick, the Solicitor General Jorge Messias, failed to win Senate approval. The president had earlier placed his lawyer and a cabinet minister on the court, even with a conservative majority in Congress. Critics said adding allies to the bench is improper. Now Lula plans to name a woman for the open seat. The court has only one female justice, who will retire in 2029. Choosing a woman may make senators hesitate to reject the nomination again. Some advisers doubt this strategy will avoid another defeat. They fear it could backfire and hurt Lula’s image. Others say the president has full authority to submit any candidate, regardless of gender. The Senate’s decision will shape Brazil’s judicial future. It also reflects the country’s deepening political divide ahead of the upcoming elections.