Full Breakdown
Lula greets supporters after voting in São Bernardo do Campo during Brazil’s 2026 runoff
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Runoff voting in São Bernardo do Campo
On October 25, 2026, voters in São Bernardo do Campo, a municipality in the state of São Paulo, cast ballots in Brazil’s presidential runoff. After the polls closed, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was seen greeting his supporters in the city’s streets, a visual that underscored his continued campaign presence on election day.
Election context
The 2026 runoff pits President Lula against former President Jair Bolsonaro, reviving the political rivalry that defined Brazil’s 2022 election. Lula, who has served two consecutive terms since 2023, is seeking a third term, while Bolsonaro is attempting a political comeback after his 2022 defeat. The runoff follows a first-round where no candidate achieved the required majority, triggering the head-to-head contest scheduled for late October.
Key figures
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – President of Brazil, representing the Workers’ Party (PT).
- Jair Bolsonaro – Former president, representing the Liberal Party (PL).
Both candidates have mobilized extensive ground operations across the country, with Lula’s campaign emphasizing social programs and economic stability, while Bolsonaro’s platform focuses on law-and-order policies and deregulation.
Potential impact of the runoff outcome
The runoff will determine Brazil’s political direction for the next four years, influencing domestic policies on the economy, the environment, and social welfare, as well as Brazil’s stance in international forums. Lula’s visible engagement with supporters in São Bernardo do Campo reflects his strategy of maintaining a strong grassroots presence, a factor that could sway undecided voters in pivotal swing municipalities. Conversely, Bolsonaro’s campaign continues to rally his base through rallies and digital outreach, setting the stage for a closely contested final vote.