Jailed Bolsonaro Endorses Son Flavio for 2026 Presidency in Handwritten Letter

In a definitive move to cement his political dynasty, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially endorsed his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, as his chosen successor for the 2026 presidential election. The endorsement came via a handwritten letter released on Thursday, aimed at quelling internal divisions within Brazil’s right-wing opposition and unifying the Liberal Party (PL) against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The letter was made public just hours before the 70-year-old former leader underwent a scheduled double hernia surgery in Brasília. Flavio Bolsonaro read the missive to reporters gathered outside the hospital, where his father had been transferred from prison. Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence following his conviction in late November for plotting a coup d’état after the 2022 election.
“Facing this scenario of injustice, and with the commitment not to allow the popular will to be silenced, I make the decision to nominate Flavio Bolsonaro as a pre-candidate for the Presidency in 2026,” the letter stated. In an emotional appeal to his base, Bolsonaro wrote, “I deliver what is most important in a father’s life: his own son, to the mission of rescuing our Brazil.”
The handwritten nature of the note was seen as a deliberate attempt to invoke a personal, martyr-like image, reminiscent of the communications he issued while recovering from the 2018 stabbing attack. By explicitly naming Flavio, Bolsonaro seeks to end months of speculation regarding the PL’s standard-bearer. Markets and centrist allies had previously tilted toward São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, viewing him as a more moderate and electable alternative. However, the letter signals that loyalty to the Bolsonaro bloodline takes precedence over broader coalition building.
“This letter removes any shadow of doubt,” Flavio declared after reading the text. “My father is the greatest political leader in this country, and his word settles the matter.”
The endorsement sets the stage for a highly polarized contest in October 2026. Flavio Bolsonaro will face President Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term. While Flavio carries the potent Bolsonaro name, he also inherits his father’s significant legal baggage and high rejection rates among moderate voters. Political analysts suggest this move creates a clear “Lula vs. Bolsonaro” rematch by proxy, ensuring the country remains deeply divided along ideological lines.