Lula and Bolsonaro’s Son Launch Competing Presidential Campaigns in Brazil’s Tight October Race

The two main contenders in Brazil’s presidential race formally opened their campaigns Sunday in bastions of their respective political support, setting the stage for a competitive October election. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed over 10,000 attendees at Vila Euclides Stadium near Sao Paulo, the city where he gained prominence four decades ago as a metalworkers union organizer during Brazil’s military rule. In Rio de Janeiro, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, held a rally at Copacabana beach with thousands of supporters.

Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest following his conviction in connection with an attempted coup, did not appear at his son’s event. Sunday marked the official start of the campaign period under Brazilian electoral law, allowing candidates to begin public outreach efforts.

Lula reiterated concerns about external meddling in Brazil’s electoral process, claiming U.S. officials have supported his rival through actions including tariff increases on Brazilian goods and the removal of the Brazilian ambassador’s visa. Regarding Brazil’s mineral wealth, Lula declared that “no one (abroad) will tap our minerals. We are going to tap them for the benefit of the Brazilian people.”

Both candidates targeted women voters, who represent nearly 53 percent of Brazil’s 158 million registered voters. Lula, pursuing his fourth non-consecutive presidential term, stated that male equality with women must begin in childhood, with first lady Rosângela da Silva present as a featured speaker. He announced plans to reveal his platform within 10 days, focusing on education and anti-violence measures for women.

Flávio Bolsonaro, flanked by his mother and wife, pledged to combat crime and eliminate what he characterized as leftist ideology in schools. The 45-year-old lawmaker claimed to have received 1,800 death threats and said he was wearing protective body armor during his public appearance. His father sustained knife injuries while campaigning in 2018.

The younger Bolsonaro, chosen by the Liberal Party to represent their interests, has encountered obstacles since launching his bid, with moderate political factions maintaining distance from his campaign. He attempted to differentiate himself from his father despite their physical resemblance, comparing their relationship to that of Pelé and his son.