Flavio Bolsonaro Secures Liberal Party Nomination Amid Scandals and Family Feud

On July 25, 2026, the Liberal Party (PL) held its national convention in São Paulo’s Arena Mercado Livre Pacaembu. About 500 attendees gathered as Senator Flávio Bolsonaro—the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro—was formally confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate for the October 4 election. The convention was marked by the conspicuous absence of his stepmother, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, a key figure among evangelical voters. International guests included Argentine President Javier Milei, who arrived to endorse Flávio’s bid.

Flavio Bolsonaro secures Brazil's presidential bid amid pressure Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro secures presidential bid despite challenges ReutersBreitbartFrance 24The Irish Times

The nomination comes as the Bolsonaro campaign wrestles with a cascade of crises. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for a failed coup attempt and remains under house arrest. In May, Flávio admitted that he had asked jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro for “millions of dollars” to finance a film about his father, a revelation that shocked many allies. Shortly thereafter, Flávio visited the White House and the U.S. State Department seeking a boost from former President Donald Trump, but voters, business leaders and politicians now blame him for new U.S. tariffs on Brazilian exports of up to 37.5 %.

France 24

A public spat with Michelle Bolsonaro further damaged his standing. She released an Instagram video accusing him of disrespect, while Flávio later issued a livestream apology, claiming he was “disproportionately persecuted” like his father. He has also repeated debunked claims about the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system, echoing arguments that led the Supreme Court to bar Jair Bolsonaro from office.

France 24

• Tariffs: New U.S. duties on Brazilian goods of up to 37.5 % took effect in early July, according to multiple Brazilian observers.

Associated Press

• Polls: Datafolha reported a runoff scenario in which Lula would obtain 48 % of the vote versus 43 % for Flávio. Reuters cited pollster Quaest showing an eight-point deficit for Flávio in a potential second round, while a later Gerp survey indicated the two candidates were “technically tied.”

France 24

President Milei’s presence was presented as a regional right-wing endorsement, with the Argentine leader planning to meet São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and to receive a military honor. Milei’s tour will continue to Peru on July 28 and Colombia on August 7.

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• “He was showing himself as the moderate Bolsonaro, the one who took COVID vaccines, who is kind to his two daughters,” — Friday. Traumann, said political consultant

Associated Press

• “You are going to put this presidential sash on me next year,” — Michelle Bolsonaro, brazilian senator

Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro secures presidential bid despite challenges

• “Having Milei at the convention helps energize and mobilize the party's more ideological base,” — Silvio Cascione

Reuters

• “These elections depend on Lula slipping on a banana peel,” — Brasilia-based Favetti, said political analyst

Reuters

Lula’s Workers’ Party will announce its own candidacy in early August, setting the stage for a contested October 4 presidential election. The Liberal Party’s convention has energized the Bolsonaro base but left open questions about coalition building with centrist parties, many of which have declared neutrality for the October vote. International right-wing leaders, including Milei, will continue their tour of Latin America, underscoring a broader ideological wave that could influence Brazil’s electoral dynamics.