Brazil's big political rematch: What to know

Lula vs. Bolsonaro, Again — Only this time it’s personal : NPR

Lula vs. Bolsonaro, Again — Only this time it’s personal Four years after President Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil is back at the ballot box. This time, Lula faces Bolsonaro's son, Flávio, in a high-stakes rematch.

Towels and caps for sale depicting Brazilian presidential candidates Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro are seen in a residential area of Brasília on September 11, 2026. Brazil will hold a presidential elections on October 4, 2026.

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil's presidential election is a rematch of the country's bitter 2022 contest — but with a twist. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is facing Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the man he narrowly defeated four years ago, Jair Bolsonaro.

Flávio, a 45-year-old senator, is carrying his father's political movement into Sunday's election. Jair Bolsonaro is now serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup to overturn that loss. His son has promised to pardon him if elected.

The younger Bolsonaro says he is "a more moderate Bolsonaro," but has voiced few policy differences from his father. He pledges to pardon his father over the coup conviction, has cast doubt on humans' responsibility for climate change, and supports making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns.

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