Brazil’s 2026 Presidential Race Pivots to Women’s Issues as Polls Tighten

Key points

• Candidates are prioritizing women’s issues, including abortion rights and combating gender-based violence, to win support in a tightening race.
• Experts note that while laws protecting women exist, a lack of funding and political violence hinder their implementation.
• Women’s representation in Brazil’s legislature has dropped, with only 19% of lawmakers and senators being women, the lowest in Latin America.
• Feminist movements are mobilizing the female vote across party lines, emphasizing the need for elected officials to support women’s policies.
• The number of female candidates for the lower house dropped by 24% in 2026 compared to 2022.

Background

The 2026 Brazilian presidential race has been marked by a surge in support for Flávio Bolsonaro, who has pulled even with Lula da Silva in polls. This tight race has intensified the focus on key demographic groups, including women, whose voting power is significant but whose political representation remains low. The US has also been accused of meddling in the election, using various tactics to influence the outcome.

Why it matters

The focus on women voters highlights the growing importance of gender-based issues in Brazilian politics. The lack of funding and political violence against women in politics are critical barriers to achieving gender equality. The drop in female candidates and representation underscores the need for feminist movements to mobilize the female vote and push for policy changes.

What to watch

The October 2026 presidential vote will determine whether the focus on women’s issues translates into policy changes. The success of feminist movements in mobilizing the female vote and holding elected officials accountable for their promises will be crucial in the coming months.