Flavio Bolsonaro Announces Candidacy for 2026 Brazilian Presidential Election with Father's Endorsement

Flavio Bolsonaro Confirms Presidential Bid

Flavio Bolsonaro, a Senator for Rio de Janeiro and the eldest son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election on Friday, December 5, 2025. The declaration was accompanied by a significant endorsement from his father, who is currently serving a prison sentence and is barred from holding public office until 2030.

The announcement was made by Flavio Bolsonaro via social media, where he posted about his father's decision to entrust him with the 'mission of carrying on our project for nation' and included an image of him kissing his father's head.

Jair Bolsonaro's Endorsement and Political Landscape

The endorsement from Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced in September to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a coup following the 2022 presidential election, positions his son as the heir apparent to the far-right movement.

Valdemar Costa Neto, the leader of Bolsonaro's right-wing Liberal Party (PL), confirmed the former president's decision, stating that Flavio Bolsonaro is now the party's presidential candidate.

This development has reportedly caused ripples in Brazilian financial markets. On the day of the announcement, the country's currency experienced a fall of as much as 3% against the U.S. dollar, and the benchmark Bovespa stock index dropped by approximately 4%.

Market Reaction and Political Implications

Market analysts had reportedly anticipated that Jair Bolsonaro might back a more experienced and market-friendly candidate, such as São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.

Economist Andre Perfeito of Garantia Capital suggested that the decision could 'implode' ties between the right-wing movement and more centrist parties.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 44 years old, has served as a Senator since 2019 and previously as a state legislator in Rio de Janeiro. He acknowledged in an interview that he might not have been everyone's first choice, stating, 'Now it's time for me to talk to more people so that everyone understands that this is actually the project that will be victorious in 2026.'

The upcoming 2026 election is expected to feature a challenge against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who, at 80 years old, has indicated his intention to seek a fourth non-consecutive term. Recent polls suggest Lula currently leads potential right-wing contenders.