Brazil 2026 elections feature candidates with celebrity-inspired nicknames

The 2026 electoral campaign in Brazil has officially commenced following the deadline for parties and federations to submit registration requests. The start of the campaign allows candidates to engage in street and internet propaganda.

Registration records submitted to the Electoral Justice system have revealed several candidates using unconventional nicknames or references to famous figures. Notable examples include Vilmar Rigo, a rancher in Mato Grosso running for federal deputy under the nickname ‘Bolsonaro da Shopee’ due to his physical resemblance to former president Jair Bolsonaro. In Minas Gerais, Plínio Vicentin Junior is running for federal deputy using the name ‘Plínio Trump’ and employing slogans inspired by Donald Trump. Additionally, in Goiás, Walcy Calixto Vieira is running for state deputy using the name ‘Mick Jagger’ due to his resemblance to the Rolling Stones vocalist.