Michelle Bolsonaro’s role in the 2026 presidential campaign of her stepson, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, remains unsettled after the pair publicly ended a period of tension. Possibilities under discussion range from discreet support to a place as Flávio’s running mate, an option favored by some members of Brazil’s Liberal Party (PL).
People close to both Michelle and Flávio told CNN Brasil that a joint presidential ticket is unlikely at this stage. Flávio is expected to have his candidacy formally approved at the PL’s national convention in São Paulo on Saturday, July 25, but the party has not yet chosen a vice-presidential candidate or announced electoral alliances.
Michelle’s Expected Role
Michelle is not expected to attend the convention in person. According to CNN Brasil, she may participate by video, while Flávio is expected to emphasize her importance to his campaign.
Allies of the former first lady say her natural political path is a Senate candidacy. Michelle, who previously led the PL’s women’s organization, is also reportedly willing to appear at campaign events, record messages for Brazil’s free electoral advertising system and help prepare the government platform.
Her level of participation will depend on the space Flávio gives her. Although the senator has publicly reached out to her, Michelle wants a private conversation to define the limits of her involvement. In a video accepting Flávio’s apology, she invited him to “sit down and talk.” Allies of Flávio say there is no urgency for that meeting.
The Vice-Presidential Debate
Some Bolsonaro supporters argue that a ticket pairing Flávio with Michelle could reshape the race if the PL fails to secure broader alliances. They view Michelle as an important figure among female and evangelical voters, groups that have been central to the political base built by former President Jair Bolsonaro.
CNN Brasil cited a Datafolha poll released Friday showing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the Workers’ Party (PT), leading Flávio by 48% to 43% in a projected second-round matchup. The figures were presented as one reason some allies believe a more consolidated Bolsonaro-family ticket could strengthen the campaign.
Flávio’s campaign headquarters has avoided publicly endorsing a “pure-blood” ticket composed entirely of PL figures. Despite resistance from the leadership of the Republicans party and the União Progressista federation, the campaign is still seeking an alliance and plans to intensify negotiations before those parties hold their conventions.
Daniella Marques, a former president of Caixa Econômica Federal and coordinator of Flávio’s economic program, is the name most often mentioned within the Republicans party. In the União Progressista federation, which has said it is not interested in the alliance, Senator Tereza Cristina of Mato Grosso do Sul is considered the leading possibility. She served as Bolsonaro’s agriculture minister, and Flávio’s team believes her experience would add seniority to the presidential bid.