Flavio Bolsonaro has reason to celebrate. The conservative senator and son of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro stunned observers Sunday by finishing ahead of incumbent leftist President Lula in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election. But his family’s success extends far beyond his own campaign.
A Family Sweep Across Congress
Multiple members of the Bolsonaro clan secured seats in Sunday’s legislative elections, riding a powerful right-wing wave that swept through Brazil’s general elections. The Bolsonaro brand proved more popular than ever, even in the absence of its patriarch.
Jair Bolsonaro, barred from running and under house arrest following his conviction for an attempted coup, can take satisfaction in his family’s performance at the polls.
Wife and Sons Elected to Senate, But Mother Falls Short
Initially, Jair Bolsonaro faced criticism from within his own camp for endorsing his eldest son Flavio for the presidential race from prison. Now, the 45-year-old senator enters the second round as the favorite against leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
If elected, Flavio Bolsonaro would govern with considerable freedom, backed by a Parliament leaning heavily to the right. His father could benefit directly: the Bolsonaro camp now holds a more robust majority to approve an amnesty law in his favor.
He can count on his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, elected to the Senate, as well as his second son, Carlos Bolsonaro. Their party, the Liberal Party (PL), won 19 of the 54 Senate seats up for grabs and holds 28 of 81 total seats. The PL is also the largest party in the Chamber of Deputies, including the youngest Bolsonaro son, 28-year-old Jair Renan.
However, Flavio Bolsonaro’s mother, Rogeria, narrowly failed to win election to the lower house.
Bolsonaro Allies Dominate Governor Races
The Bolsonaro camp also achieved an impressive harvest at the gubernatorial level.
- In Sao Paulo state, Tarcisio de Freitas was re-elected in the first round with over 60% of the vote, dealing a crushing defeat to Fernando Haddad, Lula’s former Finance Minister and potential successor.
- Sergio Moro, the judge who originally convicted Lula on corruption charges, was elected governor of Parana in the south. Lula’s conviction was annulled in 2021 when the magistrate was deemed biased.
- In Rio de Janeiro, Bolsonaro ally Douglas Ruas surprised observers by decisively defeating Lula ally Eduardo Paes in the first round, despite Paes leading in the polls.
The results signal a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape, with the Bolsonaro family emerging as a dominant force despite the patriarch’s legal troubles.
