Senator Flavio Bolsonaro announced that his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, has chosen him as the right-wing candidate for Brazil's 2026 presidential election. The endorsement surprised investors and deepened divisions among conservative allies, many of whom had expected a more experienced, market-oriented contender such as Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas. The news triggered a sharp market reaction, with Brazil's currency and stock index both falling significantly. Flavio Bolsonaro, who has served as a senator since 2018, acknowledged he was not everyone's first choice but pledged a predictable economic program and broad political dialogue. The move comes as Jair Bolsonaro remains barred from office and is serving a prison sentence for his role in a failed coup attempt after the 2022 election.