Bolsonaro surname used by 29 candidates in 2026 elections

At least 29 candidates registered for the 2026 elections in Brazil are using the surname ‘Bolsonaro’ for their ballot names. This group includes family members, political allies, and individuals with no biological relation to former President Jair Bolsonaro.

According to Electoral Justice records, 20 of these 29 candidates belong to the Liberal Party (PL). Other candidates are distributed across parties such as Podemos, Novo, Agir, PP, DC, and Democrata. The candidates are running for various offices, including President, Governor, Senator, Federal Deputy, and State Deputy.

Notable family members on the list include Flávio Bolsonaro, running for President; Michelle Bolsonaro, running for Senate in the Federal District; and Carlos Bolsonaro, running for Senate in Santa Catarina. Other relatives include Rogéria Bolsonaro, Renato Bolsonaro, Marcelo Bolsonaro, and Valéria Bolsonaro.

Some candidates without the surname in their civil registry have received authorization to use it, such as Hélio Lopes, who is running as ‘Hélio Bolsonaro’. Others have adopted nicknames like ‘Bolsonaro da Shopee’ or ‘Bolsonaro Sergipano’. While legislation does not explicitly prohibit using another person's surname, the Electoral Court can challenge names that cause voter confusion or are deemed ridiculous, irreverent, or offensive.