Power Struggle Emerges in São Paulo Senate Race Amid Bolsonaro Family Turmoil

The race for a key Senate seat in São Paulo has changed direction after Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, left Brazil and paused his work as a federal deputy.

Eduardo moved to the United States in early 2025, saying he wanted to build international support for his family’s political group. He also faces an official investigation in Brazil for asking U.S. officials to take action against Brazilian judges.

This investigation could prevent him from running for office in Brazil. Eduardo’s absence has forced his party, the Liberal Party (PL), to look for a new candidate for the 2026 Senate election.

The PL had planned for Eduardo to run with support from São Paulo’s governor, Tarcísio de Freitas, and other right-wing leaders. Now, several politicians are trying to take his place.

Marco Feliciano, a federal deputy and evangelical pastor, has said he is ready to run if Eduardo does not return. Feliciano has served in Congress since 2011 and is known for his strong conservative views.

Another possible candidate is Cezinha de Madureira, a federal deputy and pastor who has built ties with both political and religious groups in São Paulo.

Lucas Bove, a businessman and state deputy, is also being considered, though he recently faced legal trouble related to a family dispute. These changes have revealed divisions within the right-wing movement.

Uncertainty in São Paulo Senate Race

Jair Bolsonaro, who cannot run for office until 2030 because of past court rulings, has not named a clear successor. This uncertainty has led to more competition within the party, with several leaders hoping to become the new face of the conservative movement.

The left-leaning Workers’ Party (PT) has not announced a candidate for the Senate seat, which has given right-wing politicians more time to organize and build support, even as they argue among themselves.

This Senate race matters because São Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most important state, both economically and politically. Whoever wins this seat will help shape Brazil’s laws and the future of the conservative movement.

The current situation shows how legal problems and leadership struggles can quickly change the direction of an election.