Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) announced on Friday (5) that he was chosen by his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, as the presidential candidate in 2026. The decision strengthens the family's influence in the Bolsonarista camp and draws reactions from the PT, which sees benefits for Lula. On Saturday (6), Argentine President Javier Milei expressed support for the pre-candidacy.
On Friday (December 5, 2025), Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed that he received from his father, Jair Bolsonaro, the endorsement to run for the Presidency in 2026. In a social media post, the senator stated he accepts the mission 'com responsabilidade' and described the former president as 'a maior liderança política e moral do Brasil'. The choice comes amid divisions in the right-wing camp, with governors like Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos-SP) and Ratinho Jr. (PSD-PR) seen as unreliable by Bolsonaro allies.
The decision affects the elections in São Paulo, where Tarcísio is expected to seek re-election. PT leaders, such as federal deputy Jilmar Tatto, state that the governor's permanence requires a nationally prominent opponent, citing Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin as main options. 'Haddad foi bem na última eleição e Alckmin já foi governador do estado quatro vezes. [...] Ele [Tarcísio] não é invencível', Tatto said. State deputy Antonio Donato mentions the slogan 'só mais 6%', based on Tarcísio's 2022 second-round win over Haddad by 55.27% to 44.73%.
Government leader in the Chamber, José Guimarães (PT-CE), ironized that the Bolsonaro family gave a 'grande contribuição' to Lula, praising Flávio's selection as the 'mais centrado' among the sons. 'A divisão da direita fortalece o nosso campo', he stated. Abroad, Javier Milei reposted Eduardo Bolsonaro's message in support, strengthening ties with the family. An initial Datafolha poll after the announcement shows Flávio losing to Lula. The São Paulo race is set to serve as a platform for Lula's re-election.
