The Bolsonaro family claimed victory across the board in Sunday’s elections in Brazil, with Flavio Bolsonaro outpacing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round and several relatives securing congressional seats.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, garnered 47 percent of the vote versus Lula’s 45 percent.
The two will face each other again in an October 25 runoff.
The 45-year-old senator was selected by his father to carry forward the family’s political agenda following Bolsonaro’s conviction for coup-plotting and his ban from office until 2030.
Other members of the dynasty rode a right-wing wave that made Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party the largest force in the Senate, capturing 19 of the 54 seats at stake, though falling short of an outright majority.
Jair Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, received more votes than any other candidate in her bid for a Senate seat in the Federal District of Brasilia.
Commentators believe the 44-year-old is considering a presidential bid of her own in 2030.
Former leader Bolsonaro’s second son, Carlos Bolsonaro, 43, finished as the second most voted senatorial candidate in southern Santa Catarina state.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, the third son, 42, gave up his legislative seat after moving to the United States last year.
The youngest Bolsonaro brother, Jair Renan, 28, was elected as a federal deputy in the same state.
Jair Bolsonaro’s 62-year-old brother, Renato Bolsonaro, was also elected a federal deputy in São Paulo.
If Flavio Bolsonaro becomes president, he would have the support of two senators and two federal lawmakers from his family as he seeks to fulfill a campaign promise to secure amnesty for his jailed father.
Such a move would require a vote in both houses of Congress.
The party will also hold the largest bloc in the Chamber of Deputies.
Even if Lula is re-elected, he will face difficulty pushing policies through chambers dominated by conservative lawmakers.
Also Read
- Leonardo DRS Launches DRS UK to Manufacture Tactical Radios for European Market
- Putin Bets on European Fragmentation to Undermine Ukraine Support Amid Domestic Crises
- Ex‑CIA executive David J. Rush to plead guilty in $40 million gold‑bar theft case
- California Republicans warn cartel-linked avocado imports threaten US growers
