Lula and Bolsonaro represent the two dominant factions in Brazilian politics, dividing the nation once again as they address key issues of sovereignty, crime, the economy, and corruption in their campaigns.
Lula enjoys strong support in Brazil’s poorer northeast, especially among low-income voters, Catholics, and women. He is aiming for a fourth term in office, having previously won elections in 2002, 2006, and a later non-consecutive term in 2022, where he narrowly defeated Bolsonaro by less than 2%—the closest presidential election in Brazil’s history.
Following that election, Bolsonaro’s supporters invaded government buildings on 8 January 2023. Despite being barred from running for re-election prior to his prison sentence, Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flávio to take his place. Additionally, Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle, has been elected to the Senate.
Flávio Bolsonaro has promised to grant amnesty to his father and the supporters involved in the January riots if he is elected. He holds more appeal in the south, particularly among wealthier voters and evangelical Christians.
