Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL), said Michelle Bolsonaro does not want to participate in Flávio Bolsonaro's political campaign.
This internal rift within the Bolsonaro family suggests a potential fragmentation of the right-wing coalition ahead of the 2026 elections. If the former first lady withdraws from her own bid for the Senate, it could diminish the party's reach among key female and evangelical voter blocs.
Costa Neto said that the former first lady is considering withdrawing from her 2026 Senate candidacy [1]. According to the PL president, this decision is linked to the relationship between Michelle and her stepson, Flávio Bolsonaro.
Costa Neto said that Michelle feels "humilhada por ele" — humiliated by him [2]. This personal conflict has led to a refusal to join the campaign efforts for the senator.
"Ela não quer participar da campanha de Flávio," Costa Neto said [3]. He said, "Sinto que ela não quer" [4].
The statements were reported on July 2, 2026 [5]. The PL is currently navigating the complexities of coordinating multiple family members' ambitions within the same party structure as the national political arena prepares for the upcoming cycle.
“"Ela não quer participar da campanha de Flávio"”
The potential withdrawal of Michelle Bolsonaro from the 2026 Senate race indicates a significant breakdown in the familial and political alliance that has historically anchored the PL's strategy. By distancing herself from Flávio Bolsonaro, Michelle may be attempting to carve out an independent political identity or reacting to internal power struggles, which could weaken the unified front of the Bolsonaro movement during the next election cycle.
