Flávio Bolsonaro, eldest son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has been officially nominated as the presidential candidate for the Liberal Party (PL) in the upcoming October 2026 election. The nomination took place at the party’s convention in São Paulo, where Argentine President Javier Milei, a prominent right-wing figure in Latin America, attended as a guest of honor. Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, will challenge the incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth term in office.

Flávio Bolsonaro has positioned himself as a candidate promising change by focusing on issues such as crime reduction, inflation control, tax cuts, and opposition to Lula’s continued governance. He has described Brazil as being "on a plane without a pilot," reflecting his stance that the country needs new leadership. Despite presenting himself as a somewhat more moderate figure than his far-right father, Flávio remains hardline on crime and has echoed his father’s disputed claims about the integrity of Brazil’s electronic voting system.

The Bolsonaro family maintains close political connections with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently imposed new tariffs on Brazil. These trade restrictions have stirred tensions in Jair Bolsonaro’s political circle. Flávio unsuccessfully sought to persuade the Trump administration to delay additional tariffs until after the presidential election, arguing that their imposition would unfairly benefit Lula’s campaign. Lula, in turn, has highlighted these tensions with the United States as part of his campaign narrative, labeling Flávio a “traitor” over the issue.

Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign has faced several challenges in recent months. Polling data from Datafolha shows Lula leading in a potential runoff with 48% voter support to Flávio’s 43%. Political analysts have noted increased rejection of Flávio among voters, introducing uncertainty about the viability of his candidacy. Compounding his difficulties, scandalous revelations emerged in May involving an audio leak of Flávio requesting financial support from banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is implicated in a large-scale fraud case, to fund a film about his father. Flávio initially denied any contact with Vorcaro but later admitted limited involvement related strictly to the film project. The Supreme Court subsequently ordered an investigation into the film’s financing.

Internal family disputes have added to Flávio’s campaign woes. His stepmother, Michelle Bolsonaro, a key figure in appealing to female and evangelical voters, publicly accused him of disrespect and mistreatment in a social media video. Following divisions within the family, Jair Bolsonaro attempted to intervene by calling for unity in a letter read by Flávio, but judicial authorities imposed restrictions preventing Flávio from visiting his father until after the first round of voting. In the days following, Flávio issued a public apology to Michelle, which she accepted, in a bid to mend relations within the movement.

The senator has also struggled to build alliances with Brazil’s centrist political groups, many of which have announced neutrality for the presidential race. As the campaign progresses, Flávio Bolsonaro’s ability to consolidate support amid ongoing scandals, internal rifts, and economic tensions will be a critical factor in the contest against Lula’s bid for reelection.