Brazil Senate Rejects Lula's Supreme Court Nominee

Brazil's Senate on Wednesday rejected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's nominee for a Supreme Court seat, marking the first such rejection by Congress in more than 130 years. In a secret ballot, 42 senators voted against Jorge Messias, while 34 supported him. Approval required at least 41 votes out of 81.

Messias, 46, has served as Brazil's solicitor general since the start of Lula's current term in 2023 and has worked in the office for nearly two decades. Lula nominated him in November to replace Justice Luís Roberto Barroso, who resigned about eight years before his mandatory retirement. The Supreme Court has since operated with 10 justices.

A Senate committee approved Messias earlier Wednesday following a confirmation hearing. Lula's administration mounted an extensive lobbying campaign, including a Monday dinner at the presidential residence with ministers, senators and governors. The effort sought cross-party support, highlighting Messias's potential to ease tensions between Congress and the court. As a Baptist, Messias also appealed to evangelical lawmakers.

Opposition came from senators aligned with former President Jair Bolsonaro, as well as others close to Senate...