Flávio Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old Brazilian congressman from the Liberal Party (PL), is campaigning to govern the world’s fifth-largest country ahead of the upcoming presidential election, according to reporting by Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Stepping into the political arena much like his father, Jair Bolsonaro, the younger Bolsonaro is running as the right wing’s strongest candidate in a race featuring 312 million inhabitants and Latin America’s largest economy.
The Bolsonaro Brand and Poll Numbers
Recent polling data reflects an intensely tight race between Flávio Bolsonaro and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT). According to NRK, one poll released in mid-September 2026 showed Flávio leading with 42 percent to Lula’s 40 percent, while another released the following day put Lula ahead at 47 percent. Juan Negri, a professor of political science at the Di Tella University in Buenos Aires, told NRK that he is surprised by the younger Bolsonaro’s popularity. Negri stated that the Bolsonaro name and brand remain exceptionally strong, with Flávio successfully inheriting a clear political identity and a substantial base of his father’s voters.
Did you know? Jair Bolsonaro was stabbed during his 2018 presidential campaign before winning the election one month later. His son Flávio reenacted aspects of that populist imagery by riding on a supporter’s shoulders wearing a yellow football jersey and a bulletproof vest during a recent rally in Minas Gerais.
Corruption Investigations and Voter Backlash
Despite strong polling figures, Flávio Bolsonaro faces multiple corruption allegations. According to NRK, he is currently under investigation for corruption and money laundering involving hundreds of millions of kroner connected to the financing of a feature film about his father titled “Dark Horse.” Investigators allege Flávio had direct contact with Daniel Vorcaro, a bank director at Banco Master, an institution already implicated in Brazil’s largest fraud scandal in over a decade. Renauld Bellegard, a 36-year-old doctor and father from Londrina, told NRK that he refuses to vote for Flávio in the first round due to these corruption scandals and previous controversies like the “rachadinhas” investigation in Rio de Janeiro.
Comparative Outlook: Lula and Alternative Candidates
The incumbent left-wing president, Lula da Silva, also faces political liabilities despite being 80 years old and seeking a fourth term. According to NRK reporting, Lula’s oldest son, Fabio Luis—known as “Lulinha”—is under investigation for illicit influence and corruption. Political scientist Juan Negri noted that the election’s outcome depends heavily on voter focus: if the second round centers on government fatigue and an older, weaker Lula, opposition figures benefit; if the election focuses on Bolsonaro’s legal troubles, Lula holds the advantage. Meanwhile, right-wing outsider candidate Renan Santos is polling between 4 and 9 percent in the first round, drawing protest votes from citizens dissatisfied with major-party corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the presidential election in Brazil?
The first round of the presidential election takes place in late September 2026, with a likely runoff round to follow since no candidate is projected to secure over 50 percent of the vote initially.
Who are the leading candidates in the race?
The front-runners are Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT), alongside outsider candidate Renan Santos.
What legal challenges does Flávio Bolsonaro face?
Flávio Bolsonaro is under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering related to the financing of a film about his father, involving transactions linked to Banco Master.
Why is Jair Bolsonaro not running?
Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence following a conviction for an attempted coup.
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