Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) launched the Senate candidacies of Carol de Toni and Carlos Bolsonaro in Florianópolis on Saturday [1].
The event signals the Liberal Party's attempt to use Santa Catarina as a strategic showcase for its broader 2026 right-wing electoral strategy. By consolidating support in this region, the party aims to strengthen its representation in the Senate and ensure a stable base for future national contests.
The launch took place on May 9, 2026 [1]. During the event, Flávio Bolsonaro, who is a pre-candidate for the presidency, presented the tickets for Carol de Toni and Carlos Bolsonaro. The gathering also served as a public endorsement for the re-election campaign of Governor Jorginho Mello (PL).
Party officials said that the decision to run this specific ticket follows months of internal disputes within the PL. The resolution of these conflicts allows the party to move forward with a unified front in the state. The strategy focuses on leveraging the Bolsonaro name to mobilize conservative voters across the region.
By aligning the Senate bids with the governor's re-election effort, the PL is attempting to create a vertical power structure in Santa Catarina. This coordination is intended to maximize voter turnout and resource allocation as the 2026 election cycle intensifies. The event in the state capital serves as a signal to other regional chapters of the party regarding the expected alignment of candidates.
“The event signals the Liberal Party's attempt to use Santa Catarina as a strategic showcase”
The consolidation of the PL ticket in Santa Catarina reflects a broader effort to institutionalize the Bolsonaro political brand within official party structures. By linking the Senate races to a sitting governor's re-election, the party is attempting to build a regional stronghold that can serve as a blueprint for national victory in 2026.
