Flávio Bolsonaro, the presidential candidate for Brazil's Liberal Party and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, announced his running mate on Wednesday for the upcoming October election. Alfredo Gaspar, a federal lawmaker since 2023 and former prosecutor, will run for vice president.
Bolsonaro's selection comes after centrist parties largely declined to endorse his candidacy or remained neutral in the race against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This lack of support from centrist factions has presented challenges for Bolsonaro in assembling his ticket.
Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed his admiration for Gaspar, citing his "courage, his honesty, and his track record in public security." Gaspar, in turn, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, describing himself as a "simple person" with a "life story marked by a great deal of hard work."
Bolsonaro had reportedly sought to secure Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina as his running mate, aiming to appeal to women voters, a demographic where his political movement has historically seen lower support. Cristina's party holds a significant presence in Congress and was influential during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, making her distancing from the younger Bolsonaro noteworthy.
Since being chosen by his father to run against Lula, Flávio Bolsonaro has faced several setbacks. In May, he admitted to requesting millions of dollars from jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro to fund a film about his father's life, a disclosure that surprised allies. Additionally, his family's ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump have drawn criticism, with some voters and business leaders attributing recent U.S. tariffs on Brazilian exports to his efforts.
Earlier in June, Bolsonaro also experienced a public dispute with his stepmother, who alleged disrespect in a video. The two have since reconciled.