Flávio Bolsonaro Announced as Presidential Candidate for 2026

Imprisoned ex-President Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly chosen his eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as the candidate for his political group in the 2026 Brazilian presidential election. The news has drawn reactions from various political factions, with potential implications for the electoral landscape.

Background

Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) announced on Friday, December 5, 2025, that he has been selected to continue his father's political project¹. Confirming his candidacy in a social media post, he stated that he has been entrusted with the mission of carrying on our project for the nation². His brother, Carlos Bolsonaro, also confirmed this nomination³.

Key Developments

After the announcement, Flávio Bolsonaro indicated his intention to bring centrist parties to his project and stated that he has the support of São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas⁴. He also received support from his mother, Michelle Bolsonaro, who expressed her blessings for his new mission⁵.

Flávio Bolsonaro, with a more moderate profile than his deputy brother Eduardo, is preparing for the 2026 race while his father remains in prison⁶. His designation as a successor had been speculated for some time⁶.

Reactions and Implications

The announcement sparked a variety of reactions. PT leader, Lindbergh Farias, suggested that this move was predictable and it was made to prevent Jair Bolsonaro from being 'forgotten in prison'⁷. Members of President Lula's government believe that Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy will allow them to leverage an attack on centrist parties⁸.

The market reacted negatively to the news, with the São Paulo stock exchange experiencing a significant drop⁹. Carlos Bolsonaro addressed this concern, stating that it's normal for the market to worry about a name that could reduce profits³.

Current Status

Despite these developments, early polls indicate some challenges for Flávio Bolsonaro. A Datafolha survey shows that he is rejected by 38% of the electorate, compared to President Lula's 44% rejection rate¹⁰. Another survey suggests that Lula da Silva would win by 15 points against Flávio⁹.

However, the situation remains fluid as the Bolsonaro family continues to rally support for Flávio's candidacy. He was declared the 'winner of the week' by Folha de S.Paulo, indicating a potential shift in political momentum¹¹.