Lula and Bolsonaro Launch Campaigns in Political Strongholds

Brazil's top presidential candidates launched their campaigns with rallies in their political strongholds ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive October election.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke to more than 10,000 supporters at Vila Euclides stadium on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on Sunday — the venue where he first emerged on the political scene 47 years ago as a metalworkers' union leader during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship.

The 80-year-old leader, wearing a hat after a recent skin cancer diagnosis, stressed that Brazil still needs his policies. He also reiterated his opposition to foreign interference in Brazilian politics. His allies accuse the U.S. government of seeking to boost Flavio Bolsonaro's campaign through measures such as tariffs on Brazilian exports and revoking the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington.

Commenting on Brazil's vast rare mineral reserves, Lula said: “No one abroad will mine our minerals. We will mine them for the benefit of the Brazilian people.”

For his part, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, gathered thousands of voters at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. His father, who is under house arrest after being convicted of plotting a coup, did not attend the rally.

Bolsonaro argued he is “the only one who can sit with the U.S., China, Israel, the Middle East, India, and Argentina to secure the best and biggest trade deals for the country.” His party convention was attended by Argentine President Javier Milei. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several officials from former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration are said to have expressed support for him.

Courting female voters

According to Brazil's electoral court, women make up nearly 53% of the 158 million eligible voters. Both Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, and the right-wing candidate Bolsonaro are using the fight against gender violence to appeal to voters.

Data from Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security shows the country recorded nearly 400 femicides in the first quarter of 2026 — the highest for that period since the crime began being tracked 11 years ago.

“Men need to learn from a young age that they are not superior to women. We need equality,” Lula said, as First Lady Rosangela da Silva nodded beside him. She was one of the main speakers at the event in Sao Bernardo do Campo, where Lula has lived for many years.

This is not the first time the president has faced this deeply rooted crisis. At the Workers' Party convention in early August to launch his re-election campaign, Lula stated that men who commit domestic or gender violence must choose between supporting him or hitting women, and if they choose violence, “then don't vote for me.”

Lula said he would unveil a policy platform within 10 days, including educational and legal initiatives to prevent and punish violence against women.

Brazil's femicide law has only slowly improved. In 2024, the crime was officially made a standalone offense, no longer classified as aggravated homicide, with sentences of 20 to 40 years in prison. However, the alarming trend has not subsided.

Meanwhile, flanked by his mother and wife, Bolsonaro promised supporters he would also work to combat violence against women.

Brazilians will vote in the presidential election on October 4.