Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth, nonconsecutive term Sunday, defeating conservative Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. With nearly all ballots counted, Lula received approximately 51.8% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, completing an unexpected comeback after finishing behind his challenger in the October 4 first round. The victory makes Lula the first Brazilian president elected four times and keeps Latin America’s largest economy under left-of-center leadership as several neighboring countries have moved toward conservative governments.
The election carried consequences beyond Brazil’s borders. Bolsonaro campaigned on restoring his father’s political legacy, while Lula emphasized economic support for working families and the protection of democratic institutions. His victory also complicates relations with President Donald Trump, whose administration has clashed with Brazil over tariffs and regional influence. But winning the presidency does not guarantee Lula an easy path forward. He faces a conservative Congress and continued public concerns about living costs, crime and government accountability. His new term begins January 5, 2027, when he will be 81 years old.