Brazil will hold a major election in October 2026 that could change who controls its Senate. Two-thirds of the Senate’s 81 seats—54 in total—will be up for grabs.
This is important because the Senate helps decide which laws pass, who sits on the Supreme Court, and whether big changes to the country’s rules can happen.
President Lula’s group currently has a slim majority in the Senate. But most of the senators who support him must run for re-election. If his side loses seats, it could struggle to pass new laws or protect its interests.
The opposition, led by the right-wing Liberal Party, wants to win more seats and gain the power to challenge the president and the Supreme Court. The Liberal Party has grown stronger since 2018 and now leads the lower house of Congress.
It hopes to do the same in the Senate. Its leaders want enough seats to push for impeachment of Supreme Court justices who have ruled against their interests.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro is still an influential figure, even though he cannot run for office until 2030 because of court decisions. The opposition plans to run well-known candidates, including members of the Bolsonaro family, to win more Senate seats.
On the other side, Lula’s party is trying to keep its majority by supporting strong candidates, even if they are not from Lula’s own party. This election matters for business and investors too.
The Senate has the power to approve or block economic reforms, tax changes, and rules that affect companies. If control shifts, it could mean big changes in how Brazil does business and how stable its rules are.
Official data shows that the Senate’s makeup will directly affect whether the government can make changes or if the country faces political gridlock. For anyone watching Brazil, this election will help decide the country’s direction for years to come.
For the full picture, see our Brazil Elections 2026: Complete Guide.