Flávio Bolsonaro eyes evangelical running mate as PL strategizes 2026 campaign

Party leaders of Brazil's Liberal Party (PL) are discussing the possibility of placing an evangelical woman on the ticket with pre‑candidate Flávio Bolsonaro for the 2026 presidential election. Allies say a female candidate with strong ties to the evangelical base could expand outreach to women voters, reinforce the party’s appeal to the conservative religious electorate, and mitigate any negative impact from former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro’s criticism of Flávio. Flávio has publicly said he is praying for a "qualified woman" to fill the vice‑presidential slot, but no official name has been announced.

At the same time, Flávio Bolsonaro has drawn criticism for his ambiguous response to extremist remarks made by Paulo Figueiredo, a spiritual adviser linked to the campaign, who described women’s voting choices in demeaning terms and invoked the notion of "meritocratic rape." Although Flávio said he does not endorse Figueiredo’s statements, he stopped short of a full repudiation, prompting backlash from liberal and feminist groups. The episode highlights internal tensions within the PL as it seeks to balance hard‑right religious messaging with broader electoral appeal.