Rogéria Bolsonaro declared federal deputy candidate in Rio de Janeiro

The Liberal Party (PL) officially announced Rogéria Bolsonaro as its candidate for the federal Chamber of Deputies in Rio de Janeiro. The declaration was made by her son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, amid a public dispute with former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro. Rogéria, 66, is a former city councilwoman (1993‑2001) and the first wife of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The party expects her candidacy to capture the Bolsonaro family’s electoral base in the state, shifting her from an earlier Senate list to the lower‑house race.

The move follows internal re‑arrangements within the PL after tensions surfaced between Flávio and Michelle, who accused the senator of disrespect. Rogéria’s entry also fills the vacancy left by Hélio Lopes, who moved to contest a Senate seat in Roraima. The Bolsonaro children are not running for office in Rio de Janeiro this cycle, with Flávio pursuing the presidency, Carlos shifting to a Senate race in Santa Catarina, and Eduardo seeking a Senate substitute seat in São Paulo.