Lula re-elected Brazil president, defeats Bolsonaro in runoff
IN SHORT
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president of Brazil, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff election. The 81-year-old leftist secured a fourth non-consecutive term after winning 51.75% of the vote to Bolsonaro's 48.25%. The result was confirmed on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Key Numbers
51.76%Lula da Silva's vote share
48.24%Flávio Bolsonaro's vote share
4.3 millionLula's winning margin
Who's Involved
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
veteran left-wing president re-elected for a fourth term
Flávio Bolsonaro
right-wing rival defeated in runoff
Donald Trump
US President whose administration would have preferred a conservative leader in Brazil
Brazil's electoral authority
confirmed Lula's victory
↳ Why This Matters
Lula's re-election signals a continuation of leftist policies in Brazil, potentially impacting its relationship with the US and China, and influencing environmental policy amid concerns over deforestation. The divided political landscape and a hostile Congress present significant governance challenges for his administration.