Lula launches bid for unprecedented fourth term as Brazil's president

September 9, 2026 at 10:47 PM2 min

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched his campaign for an unprecedented fourth term at a rally in Sao Bernardo do Campo on August 16. The 80-year-old leader faces a polarised electorate and a resurgent right wing ahead of the October 4 election. His bid comes as conservative candidates have won recent presidential races across South America.

Key Facts

Lula launched his re-election bid at May 1 Stadium in Sao Bernardo do Campo, where he addressed 60,000 striking metalworkers in 1979.
Brazilians will vote on October 4, with a run-off if no candidate wins an outright majority.
At age 80, Lula would surpass his own record as Brazil's oldest elected president if he wins.
Right-wing presidential candidates have won elections in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru over the last 12 months.
US President Donald Trump shared an article in June describing Brazil's vote as the 'next major test' for his 'making the Americas great again' project.

Campaign Launch

Lula returned to May 1 Stadium in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the site of his 1979 address to 60,000 striking metalworkers, to launch his fourth-term bid. He walked onto the stage to the song Sirius, the pregame anthem for the Chicago Bulls' last championship season. The rally took place on August 16, with the bright August sun illuminating the stadium by mid-morning.

Electoral Landscape

Brazilians will head to the polls on October 4, and a run-off will be held if no candidate receives an outright majority. Lula, at age 80, would surpass his own record as the oldest elected president in Brazilian history if he wins. A conservative wave has swept South America, with right-wing presidential candidates winning in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru over the last 12 months. US President Donald Trump's administration has offered backing to right-wing leaders across the Western Hemisphere. In June, Trump shared an article on social media describing Brazil's upcoming presidential vote as the 'next major test' in his project of 'making the Americas great again'.