“Very happy about Lula’s victory in Brazil. Many, many congratulations to President Lula and the people of Brazil. It is a breath of fresh air for Latin America and the Caribbean. We are very, very happy,” Sheinbaum said during her morning news conference.
Her remarks came a day after the Mexican president congratulated Lula through her social media accounts, celebrating the election result with the message: “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won. Congratulations, President Lula!”
Brazil’s incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a historic fourth term Sunday, denying U.S. President Donald Trump greater sway over Latin America’s largest economy.
With over 99% of ballots counted, Lula, a left-wing stalwart, defied expectations with 51.76% of the vote. His rival, right-wing Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, trailed behind with 48.24% despite winning in a first round of voting earlier this month.
Brazil‘s presidential race is heading to a runoff after right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro outperformed polls to finish ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the first round. Both candidates now have three weeks to convince voters before a second-round showdown later this month. Reuters‘ Lisandra Paraguassu reports from Sao Paulo.
(October 2, 2026)
In a simulated runoff, Lula would receive 48% of the vote compared with 45% for Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. A previous Datafolha poll had Lula leading Bolsonaro by 47% to 45%.
Flávio played recordings of the former president, promised to continue his legacy and said he had “humbly” accepted the mission his father had entrusted to him.
Convicted of more than 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat, Jair Bolsonaro has entrusted Flávio with continuing his legacy, while maintaining his innocence and hoping that his son’s path to the presidential palace could also lead to his own freedom.