Nearly 4.4 Million Votes: Brazil President Lula Wins Reelection, Defeats Bolsonaro in 2026 Election

Runoff decides presidency

Lula, 80, defeated Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, in Brazil’s presidential runoff on October 25. The electoral court confirmed the outcome once counting was complete. Lula secured approximately 51.8% of ballots, compared with 48.2% for Bolsonaro. The margin was nearly 4.4 million votes, and Lula is set to begin his fourth, nonconsecutive term on January 5, 2027.

A contest shaped by politics

The candidates represented contrasting political positions. Lula is a left-wing politician who has often criticized Donald Trump, while Flávio Bolsonaro is right-wing and supports him. Flávio is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who lost his reelection bid to Lula in 2022. Flávio had led after the first round earlier this month, but neither candidate won enough votes to avoid a runoff.

Campaign support and voting delays

Several Brazilian entertainers backed Lula during the campaign, including Anitta, Luísa Sonza, Ivete Sangalo, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso. Actor Wagner Moura also made a campaign video in his support.

International supporters included Madonna, Bella Hadid, The Strokes, Roger Waters, Tom Morello and Oliver Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon. On election day, voting was extended by two hours after transportation problems and heavy rain affected parts of Brazil; Lula’s supporters later gathered in the streets to celebrate.