# Brazil Election Race Intensifies

> Lula and Bolsonaro clash over military, women, and economy in Brazil’s pivotal election.
- Title: Brazil Election Race Intensifies · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Lula and Bolsonaro clash over military, women, and economy in Brazil’s pivotal election. Brazilians vote in general elections on Sunday, with Lula and…
- Keywords: brazil, election, lula, bolsonaro, military, women, economy, presidential, trade, soybeans, beef, tariffs
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/02/brazil-election-president-lula-bolsonaro-military-women-economy
- Author: Catherine Osborn
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: brazil, election, lula, bolsonaro, military, women, economy, presidential, trade, soybeans, beef, tariffs
## Brazilian Election
Brazilians prepare to vote in general elections on Sunday, testing Latin America’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
## Top Contenders
Left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro lead a tight race with differing visions for foreign policy, environmental policy, and democratic institutions.
## Bolsonaro’s Campaign Shift
Bolsonaro’s poll numbers rose after media coverage of corruption allegations against a Supreme Court justice seen as Lula’s ally and skilled PL leadership.
## Military Influence
Military historically supported Jair Bolsonaro, with some participating in his failed coup attempt and others planning to assassinate Lula.
## Lula’s Military Focus
Lula has made strengthening Brazil’s defense sector a main campaign pledge to boost sovereignty amid U.S. aggression in the Western Hemisphere.
## Bolsonaro’s Trump Ties
Bolsonaro pledged close ties to Trump and vowed to join his militaristic anti-crime initiatives, raising concerns about U.S. influence over Brazil’s critical industries.
## Women’s Strategy
The PL elevated Michelle Bolsonaro, the former first lady, to run for a Senate seat using female empowerment messaging.
## Financial Sector
Bolsonaro aims to slash Brazil’s deficit to win over financial sector voters despite historical support for right-wing candidates.
## Election Mechanics
If no candidate wins at least 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will proceed to an Oct. 25 runoff.
## Trade Tensions
Brazilian farmers face tariffs on beef after China imposed an annual quota and steep tariffs on imported beef.
## U.S. Sanctions
The Trump administration sanctioned political and business figures in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru over alleged corruption or narco-trafficking.
## Fashion Week
Colombian designers participated in Northern Hemisphere fashion weeks through the PUENTE project to boost international exposure and sales.
## Haiti Security
The UN Security Council renewed its endorsement of an international security force in Haiti for six more months to combat gang control.
## Election Outcome
Brazilians vote in general elections on Sunday, with Lula and Bolsonaro neck and neck as the race intensifies.
## Key takeaway

Brazilians vote in general elections on Sunday, with Lula and Bolsonaro neck and neck after recent shifts in polls and campaign strategies.