Douglas Ruas

Douglas Ruas dos Santos entered the world on January 17, 1989, in São Gonçalo, a city just east of Rio de Janeiro. He built his career by combining law enforcement experience with legal training before stepping into high-stakes politics. The son of Capitão Nelson, who currently serves as mayor of São Gonçalo, Douglas followed a path that led him from the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro to the state legislature. His background includes graduating from law school and serving in various capacities within the public sector. His ascent accelerated when voters elected him to the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro in 2022, taking office as a State Deputy in February 2023. This role quickly proved pivotal. By 2023, Governor Cláudio Castro appointed him Secretary of Cities, a position he held until 2026. During this time, he managed urban development initiatives across the state capital. In 2026, colleagues elected him President of the Legislative Assembly, placing him at the helm of the state's lawmaking body. He continues to represent the Liberal Party and recently positioned himself as their candidate for the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial election.[edit]