Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro names surprise running mate Alfredo Gaspar
In Brazil, a big election is coming in October to choose the country's president.
A senator named Flavio Bolsonaro wants to be president.
Presidential candidates pick a running mate, someone who runs together with them.
Mr. Bolsonaro chose a congressman named Alfredo Gaspar as his running mate.
Mr. Gaspar is from a northeastern state of Brazil called Alagoas.
He used to be in charge of public safety in that state.
Mr. Gaspar also led an investigation into a government agency called INSS, which takes care of people's pensions.
That investigation looks into problems with pension payments.
Mr. Bolsonaro's rival is President Lula, and Lula's son is being investigated over payments linked to that pension scheme; he says he did nothing wrong.
Mr. Bolsonaro chose Mr. Gaspar hoping he will help the campaign talk about corruption and public safety.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro and the leading right-wing challenger to President Lula, named conservative Congressman Alfredo Gaspar as his surprise running mate on Wednesday.
Gaspar, 55, a Liberal Party (PL) member from the northeastern state of Alagoas, previously served as the state's public security secretary and has sat in the lower house of Congress since 2023.
Gaspar led a congressional probe into the National Social Security Institute (INSS); Lula's son, Fabio Luis Lula da Silva, denies allegations that he received improper payments linked to pension deduction schemes.
The surprise pick followed a failed attempt to add a woman to the ticket, amid a now-resolved falling out with stepmother Michelle Bolsonaro, as Senator Tereza Cristina and Daniella Marques lacked their parties' support.
Some major right-leaning parties, including the Progressives and Republicans, declined to nationally endorse Bolsonaro, betting neutrality maximizes their congressional representation in Lula strongholds.
- Who
- Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the presidential candidate; his new running mate, Congressman Alfredo Gaspar; President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; and Lula's son, Fabio Luis Lula da Silva.
- What
- Flavio Bolsonaro named conservative Congressman Alfredo Gaspar as his vice-presidential running mate for Brazil's October presidential election.
- When
- Wednesday, August 5, ahead of the October presidential election.
- Where
- Announced at an event in Brasilia, Brazil; Gaspar represents the northeastern state of Alagoas.
- Why
- To strengthen his campaign's focus on corruption, public safety and the economy and to build bridges with the northeast, after struggling to expand alliances beyond his own party.
Bolsonaro campaign and allies
Analysts and rival right-leaning parties
Gaspar as running mate
Bolsonaro campaign and allies
Gaspar has the authority to discuss the INSS pension probe that makes Lula uncomfortable and speaks frequently about public safety, strengthening the ticket.
Analysts and rival right-leaning parties
The surprise pick underscores the campaign's challenges, coming after Bolsonaro failed to build alliances beyond his own party or add a woman to the vice-presidential slot.
Conservative party endorsements
Bolsonaro campaign and allies
Right-leaning parties should unite and nationally endorse Bolsonaro as the leading conservative challenger.
Analysts and rival right-leaning parties
Major parties such as the Progressives and Republicans declined to endorse him, calculating that neutrality best maximizes their congressional representation in Lula strongholds like northeastern Brazil.
- Presidential candidate
- Senator Flavio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party)
- Running mate
- Congressman Alfredo Gaspar
- Gaspar's age
- 55
- Gaspar's home state
- Alagoas, northeastern Brazil
- Election
- October presidential election in Brazil
- Announcement
- Wednesday, August 5, in Brasilia
- Notable probe
- Congressional investigation into the National Social Security Institute (INSS)
- Failed alternatives
- Senator Tereza Cristina and Daniella Marques, former Caixa Economica Federal head, who lacked party support