Michelle Bolsonaro Enters Brazil’s Senate Race as Stepson Flavio Leads Liberal Party Presidential Ticket

Former Brazilian First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro has been nominated by the right-wing Liberal Party to contest a Senate seat, while her stepson, Flavio Bolsonaro, will represent the party in this year’s presidential election.

The dual nominations come against the backdrop of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest over allegations that he plotted a coup after leaving office in 2022.

Michelle and Flavio Bolsonaro have recently been at the centre of a public family and political dispute over influence within Brazil’s conservative bloc.

The tension surfaced in late June after Michelle claimed Flavio had belittled her by saying she “didn’t understand anything about politics.”

The disagreement was widely seen as a challenge to Flavio’s efforts to expand his electoral appeal, particularly among women and evangelical Christians, groups where Michelle enjoys significant support.

Flavio later issued a public apology before accepting the Liberal Party’s presidential nomination, and Michelle accepted the gesture, easing tensions between the two.

The senator will challenge incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office during October’s election.

Although both were expected to appear together at a Liberal Party event in Brasília on Sunday, Michelle did not attend after being hospitalised with a severe headache the previous day.

She was discharged as the event commenced, while her brother, Diego Torres, represented her and read her prepared remarks.

“I accept this challenge,” he said on her behalf.

Flavio Bolsonaro also used the occasion to signal unity within the party.

“We are going to rescue democracy, together with Michelle Bolsonaro.”

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