Flavio Bolsonaro announces candidacy for Brazil’s 2026 presidential election endorsed by his father

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, with the endorsement of his father. On Friday, Flavio shared a heartfelt image on social media, showing himself kissing his fathers head, alongside a message declaring his father's trust in him to continue their "national project." Flavio praised his father as Brazils "greatest political and moral leader," and expressed his determination to tackle the nations growing challenges.

"I cannot stand by while Brazil faces instability, insecurity, and despair," Flavio stated. "I refuse to remain passive as families' hopes fade and our democracy is jeopardized."

Scheduled for October 4, 2026, Brazil's upcoming presidential election will feature Flavio as the likely candidate for the far-right Liberal Party (PL), following his fathers official endorsement. Jair Bolsonaro, while unable to run for office until 2030, continues to hold significant influence within the PL, with party president Valdemar Costa Neto confirming that Flavio would represent them in the presidential race. Costa Neto declared, "Flavio has been confirmed as the party's candidate. If Bolsonaro has spoken, it's final!"

This announcement sets the stage for a potential rematch between the Bolsonaro family and Brazils current left-wing president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two previously faced off in a fiercely contested 2022 election, which culminated in a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round. Lula ultimately won the second round with 50.9% of the vote, making it one of the closest presidential races since Brazil's return to democracy in the 1980s.

Jair Bolsonaro, however, never publicly accepted his defeat. Instead, he and his supporters filed a legal challenge, alleging serious irregularities with the voting processclaims that have been widely debunked. Despite this, Bolsonaro's supporters carried out protests, including a violent assault on federal police headquarters and an invasion of government buildings on January 8, 2023, in an attempt to provoke a military response. These events led to investigations, raids, and arrests.

In June 2023, Brazil's Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) ruled to bar Jair Bolsonaro from public office until 2030, citing his abuse of public resources to spread election misinformation. In September, Jair was convicted of plotting a coup and sentenced to 27 years in prison, which he maintains is politically motivated.

Flavio Bolsonaros siblings have also taken public stands in support of their father. Earlier this year, Eduardo Bolsonaro lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump for help with his fathers legal case. In November, a Brazilian Supreme Court panel decided to put Eduardo on trial for possible obstruction of justice. Jairs allies continue to push for an amnesty law to free him from prison.

Flavios candidacy, announced just days ago, comes amid speculation that other figures, including former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio Gomes de Freitas, could also be contenders for the PL nomination. Flavio, however, is seen as the clear choice to rally the Bolsonaro familys far-right base, though his selection may alienate centrist factions within Brazils conservative sphere.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 44, has served as a senator since 2019 and was previously a state deputy for Rio de Janeiro. His entry into the race signals a direct challenge to Lula, who has already announced his bid for a fourth presidential term. Lula, now 80, has reassured his supporters that he feels as energetic as ever and remains committed to his political vision.

While Lula currently leads in opinion polls, with a margin of support over potential Bolsonaro challengers, the final race is still many months away. A recent poll from late November by the National Confederation of Transport and MDA Institute showed Lula ahead in all scenarios, with support surpassing 39% in matchups against Jair Bolsonaro (27%) and Michelle Bolsonaro (23%). Flavio Bolsonaro was not included in the polls options.

If Lula wins a fourth term, he will be 85 years old by the end of his presidency.