Brazil's first black justice considers presidential run

SAO PAULO – Brazil's first black supreme court justice says he is considering a run for president in October.

Former justice Joaquim Barbosa's entry in the race would be significant because he is widely known and could appeal to both supporters and detractors of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Da Silva, who leads preference polls despite a corruption conviction, won't likely be allowed to run.

Barbosa told journalists in the capital Brasilia on Thursday he would weigh many factors before announcing a candidacy. While many have floated his name as a contender, it was the first time Barbosa spoke publicly about it.

On Sunday, a Datafolha institute poll showed him with at least 8 percent of support.

The 63-year-old has never run for office. He retired as a justice in 2014.