Bolsonaro family motto and political legacy

The Bolsonaro family in Brazil is guided by the motto "God, country, family and freedom," which encapsulates their political philosophy, according to El País América. This ideology has shaped the political careers of Jair Bolsonaro, former president, and his sons, who are now active in the country's political landscape.

Jair Bolsonaro's legal situation

Jair Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempted coup after losing the 2022 election to current president Lula. He is currently under house arrest due to health issues.

Flávio Bolsonaro's political rise

Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is Jair's eldest son and is running against Lula in the second round of the presidential election on October 25. He entered politics after completing his law degree and became a regional deputy from Rio de Janeiro at age 21. He later became a senator in 2018 but had a limited legislative record.

Flávio's political challenges

Flávio Bolsonaro has faced scrutiny over several corruption allegations, including the Banco Master case and accusations of a system of fictitious jobs in his family's parliamentary offices, according to Agência Pública. Despite this, his father has publicly supported his candidacy.

Jair Bolsonaro's endorsement

Jair Bolsonaro has stated that he is offering his son, Flávio, as the most important thing a father can give: "his own son, with the mission to save our Brazil." Flávio has promised to grant his father a pardon if he wins the election, according to El País América.

Michelle Bolsonaro's role

Michelle Bolsonaro, 44, Jair's third wife, has transitioned from a "decorative first lady" to a key figure in conservative and evangelical circles during her husband's 2022 re-election campaign. However, she has tense relations with Jair's sons and has not campaigned alongside Flávio.

Carlos Bolsonaro's political influence

Carlos Bolsonaro, 43, nicknamed "02" or "pitbull" by his father, is known as the "magician of social networks" and played a major role in Jair's 2018 victory. He is accused of managing "digital militias" that targeted opponents of the Bolsonaro camp. He recently secured a senator seat in Santa Catarina.

Eduardo Bolsonaro's legal troubles

Eduardo Bolsonaro, 42, the third son, has been living in the United States since February 2025, where he was sent by his family to work with the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Brazil. He was sentenced to four years in prison for obstruction of justice and has stated he will not return to serve his sentence.