Flavio Bolsonaro Announces Presidential Run for 2026

This weekend, Flavio Bolsonaro, a Brazilian senator and the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned, declared his intention to run for president in 2026. However, he mentioned that he would step back from the campaign if his father were released from prison and allowed to campaign for another term.

On Friday, Bolsonaro’s younger brother confirmed on social media that he has his father’s support in this bid, bringing some clarity to Brazil’s conservative landscape, which has seen various significant figures considering a run, including Flavio’s stepmother, Michel Bolsonaro, and Tarcisio de Freitas, the conservative governor of São Paulo. According to Flavio, his father chose him to carry forward the Bolsonaro legacy in politics.

On Sunday, Flavio suggested to reporters that he might reconsider his presidential ambitions if Jair Bolsonaro is freed and can run again.

Currently, Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges related to “crimes against democracy” and is barred from holding office for 35 years. This means he could potentially run again at the age of 105.

The leading candidate in the upcoming 2026 presidential election is the current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a Marxist who has openly praised Jair Bolsonaro and his treatment of conservative supporters. Lula, aged 80, is making a bid for his fourth term.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, representing Rio de Janeiro since 2019 and having been part of the House of Representatives since 2003, expressed on Twitter his commitment to upholding his father’s political principles. He noted, “We cannot stand by while our country faces such disappointment and instability. Families should not lose hope, and we must not let democracy falter.”

He continued, “Imagine a situation where people feel abandoned, retirees suffer due to government actions, and children live without hope. It’s unbearable.”

Flavio concluded, expressing his faith in God’s power to lead and support him in this mission, though it’s worth noting that such certainties can bring a level of discomfort, perhaps, or at least, pause for reflection.

On Sunday, he added on TV Record that while he is committed, if his father is released, there is “no going back” with the campaign. When questioned about what he would sacrifice to end his run, he stated that if Jair is free to participate, that is enough for him.

He emphasized, “For the nearly 60 million Brazilians who feel trapped along with my father, justice must be served.” This statement reflects the sentiment of many who supported Jair in the narrowly contested 2022 election. Flavio also called for amnesty for those involved in the January 8 riots in Brasilia, during which supporters invaded key government buildings.

The sentencing of Jair Bolsonaro is connected to the events of January 8, even though he was in the U.S. at the time. He faced charges including attempts to overthrow democracy and other serious allegations. Critics claim he orchestrated a plot against Lula but have provided limited evidence, and requests for house arrest have been declined, citing Jair’s health issues. Notably, he has struggled with skin cancer and other health complications as a result of a stabbing during his 2018 campaign.

At a recent rally, Flavio spoke to a sizeable conservative audience. He indicated that Tarcisio was among the first people he consulted before moving forward with his presidential intentions. Their communication, it seems, was quite positive. Michel Bolsonaro, his stepmother, also publicly expressed her support for his candidacy.

In her message, she remarked on Instagram, “God bless you, Flavio. We are dedicated to our mission for Brazil. May you be granted wisdom and strength.”

Both Flavio and Michel are scheduled to meet with Jair Bolsonaro in prison on Tuesday. Flavio plans to engage with prominent conservative leaders on Monday, seeking to consolidate support on the right.