In a significant development for Brazil's political landscape, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro declared on Friday that his father, the imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro, has chosen him to spearhead the nation's influential conservative movement ahead of the crucial 2026 general elections. The announcement, made via social media, positions the 44-year-old senator as a central figure and a likely presidential contender, aiming to continue his father's polarising political legacy.
The Bolsonaro Dynasty's Strategic Handover
The decision comes at a critical juncture for the Bolsonaro family. Jair Bolsonaro, 70, is currently serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting a coup and is barred from holding public office. He is appealing the conviction and seeking a legislative pardon. The former president also faces serious health issues, including complications from a 2018 stabbing and a recent skin cancer diagnosis, making his direct political return improbable.
Flavio Bolsonaro took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the transition of leadership. "It is with a great sense of responsibility that I confirm the decision of Jair Messias Bolsonaro to entrust me with the mission of continuing our national project," he stated. Accompanying his post was an emotional image of him kissing his father on the head, symbolising the familial and political succession.
Who is Flavio Bolsonaro?
Often seen as a more measured and articulate figure compared to his more combative brothers, Eduardo and Carlos, Flavio Bolsonaro is a seasoned politician in his own right. He holds a specialisation in public policy from the University Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IUPERJ) and studied entrepreneurship at Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
His political career is extensive: He served as a State Deputy of Rio de Janeiro from 2003 to 2019, winning his fourth term in 2014 with an impressive 160,359 votes. During his tenure, he presided over the Special Committee on Family Planning. In 2018, he was elected Senator for Rio de Janeiro, garnering a massive 4,380,418 votes. His father, then President Jair Bolsonaro, awarded him the Medal of the Order of Naval Merit in June 2019.
While a steadfast supporter of his father throughout the trial, Flavio, who is from Jair's previous marriage, has occasionally voiced disagreements with his stepmother, Michelle Bolsonaro. Despite this, Michelle publicly supported Flavio's new role on Instagram, writing, "May the Lord give you wisdom, strength and grace... for the good of our nation."
Implications for Brazil's 2026 Election
Flavio's declaration sets the stage for a highly charged electoral battle in 2026. By framing his mission as a fight against a "crumbling democracy" and a loss of hope for families, he is directly channelling the populist rhetoric that defined his father's presidency. His statement, "I will not stand idle while families lose hope and democracy is crumbling," is a clear rallying cry to the Bolsonaro loyalist base.
The move consolidates the Bolsonaro family's continued dominance over Brazil's right-wing politics, even with its patriarch behind bars. With two other sons, Carlos and Jair Renan, serving as city councilors, the family maintains a broad political network. Flavio's challenge will be to unite the fragmented conservative factions and expand his appeal beyond the core supporters while navigating the legal and ethical shadows cast by his father's imprisonment and the family's controversial history.
As Brazil looks toward 2026, the political arena is now firmly set for a contest that will test the enduring strength of Bolsonarismo, with Flavio Bolsonaro at its helm, attempting to convert a familial legacy into a viable presidential campaign.
