Lula's prior nomination of Jorge Messias to the vacant STF seat was rejected by the Senate in April 2026, marking the first such defeat for a president in that process. The executive retains authority to submit a new name or resubmit, with no statutory deadline, though Senate rules limit resubmission timing within the same legislative session. As of mid-August 2026, no fresh formal indication has been sent amid Lula's reelection campaign launch and strained executive-legislative relations. Government statements have signaled intent to fill the vacancy before term's end, with advisers weighing options like nominating a woman to raise political costs for further opposition. October elections and Senate dynamics remain key variables that could influence announcement timing.