Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s son and Sao Paulo governor could face Lula in 2026.
BRASILIA – Amidst the debate over Bolsonaro’s candidacy for the PT in 2026, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) published a photo with São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas (R) in defense of right-wing unity.
The two are potential successors to former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for a coup attempt and is soon to go to prison.
“Tarcisio and I, RJ and SP, will act together with Jair Bolsonaro in any scenario. The only thing I am sure of is that Lula will no longer be president of Brazil from 2027!” Flavio wrote, without giving details on which office the two would run for.
Flavio, who was elected to the Senate in 2018, will need to defend his candidacy in 2026 if he wants to remain in the Senate. If he runs for president of the republic and loses, he will lose his mandate.
Tulsisson and I, RJ and SP, will act with Jair Bolsonaro in any scenario.
My only certainty is that Lula will no longer be President of Brazil from 2027!@jairbolsonaro @tarcisiogdf pic.twitter.com/q4JCqKNs7X
— Flavio Bolsonaro (@FlavioBolsonaro) November 14, 2025
Tarcisio, who was elected to the Palacio dos Bandeirantes council in 2022, faces the same dilemma. The easiest path is to seek re-election as governor. This is because he is highly popular in opinion polls and there are no candidates in sight to challenge him.
Bolsonaro’s allies are divided over whether to back Flavio or Tarcisio for the post. Some believe the senator has an advantage because he inherited his father’s surname and is less susceptible to mutual attacks from his family, especially his brothers Eduardo and Carlos.
Tarcisio is seen as a more familiar name for the center due to his experience as a manager as well as his relationship with Faria Lima, the country’s economic capital.
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