Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has confirmed his candidacy for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election, following criticism over remarks suggesting he might leave the race for the right “price.” The announcement comes amid heightened political tension in Brazil, as his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, serves a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election.

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Commitment to the 2026 Presidential Race

Speaking to reporters outside the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, Flavio Bolsonaro emphasized that his candidacy is irreversible, despite prior controversial statements.

“I told him [my father] this candidacy is irreversible,” Flavio said. “And in his own words, ‘We will not turn back.’ Now it is time to talk to people, so we can have the right people on our side.”

Flavio’s comments come after initial remarks over the weekend, in which he suggested he could exit the race “for the right price”, though he did not disclose specifics. The remarks were widely interpreted as linked to his father’s imprisonment and raised questions about his commitment to the campaign.

On Tuesday, Flavio clarified his position:

“My price is Bolsonaro free and on the ballot. In other words, there is no price.”

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Political Context: Jair Bolsonaro’s Imprisonment

Former President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted in September 2025 by a Supreme Court panel in Brazil for multiple charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2022 presidential election. His convictions included:

• Seeking the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law.
• Misusing the presidential office to spread election falsehoods.

In November, the Supreme Court ordered Jair Bolsonaro into custody after he admitted to tampering with his ankle monitor. Additionally, Brazil’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal barred him from holding public office for eight years. Despite this, Jair has publicly endorsed Flavio’s candidacy for the 2026 election.

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Party Support and Right-Wing Endorsements

Flavio Bolsonaro has secured backing from the Liberal Party (PL), with party president Valdemar Costa Neto confirming that Flavio would lead the party ticket. Other prominent right-wing figures, including São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, have also endorsed his campaign.

Flavio’s candidacy is positioned as the continuation of the Bolsonaro political legacy, appealing to right-wing voters who support his father’s policies and ideology.

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Criticism and Controversy

Despite clarifications, Flavio’s earlier comments sparked criticism from opposition parties, including the Workers Party (PT) led by incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has announced his bid for a fourth term in 2026.

“No one launches a candidacy one day, and the next day says, ‘Look, I can negotiate,’” said Edinho Silva, president of the Workers Party. “It’s not just me. No one would take it seriously.”

Critics argue that suggesting a negotiable “price” casts doubt on Flavio’s ethics and commitment, though he has now firmly rejected the idea of stepping aside.

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Implications for Brazil’s 2026 Election

Flavio Bolsonaro’s candidacy sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch with Lula in 2026, highlighting a deeply polarized political landscape. The campaign will likely focus on key issues such as:

• Public security and anti-crime policies.
• Economic reforms and inflation control.
• Social policies and government transparency.
• The influence of Jair Bolsonaro’s legacy on national politics.

As Brazil approaches the election, Flavio’s campaign will need to navigate both internal party dynamics and public skepticism following the “price” controversy.

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Conclusion:

Flavio Bolsonaro has reaffirmed his commitment to run in the 2026 presidential election, dismissing earlier remarks about a potential “price” to withdraw. With his father’s backing and key endorsements from the right-wing Liberal Party, Flavio positions himself as a central figure in Brazil’s upcoming election, setting up a showdown with incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.