Analysis-As trial of Brazil's Bolsonaro winds up, likely heir to right-wing coalition emerges

FILE PHOTO: Governor of Sao Paulo Tarcisio de Freitas speaks while Michelle Bolsonaro, wife of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stands near him, as supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attend a demonstration on the Brazilian Independence Day, amid the final phase of Bolsonaro's trial, in which he is accused of plotting a coup after his electoral defeat, in Sao Paulo, Brazil September 7, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

BRASILIA (Reuters) -The trial of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot to reverse his 2022 electoral loss is still days away from a final verdict, but a front-runner has emerged in the jockeying to take his place in next year's campaign.

Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas flew to the capital last week, campaigning in Congress to grant Bolsonaro amnesty if the Supreme Court convicts him, as is widely expected. In public remarks, he vowed a pardon for Bolsonaro "if I were president."