Brazil’s runoff election tests Lula’s leftist legacy against Bolsonaro’s right-wing surge

Brazilians vote Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, a race that will shape Brazil's political direction amid rising concerns over crime and corruption. Bolsonaro, eldest son of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro, outperformed expectations in the first round, winning 2.2 million more votes than Lula and forcing the runoff. Public safety has emerged as a defining issue, with 28% of voters citing violence as the country's biggest problem, prompting Lula to shift toward tougher crime positions. The outcome carries regional significance as right-wing governments gain ground across Latin America, and a Bolsonaro victory could align Brazil more closely with the Trump administration. Women, who make up nearly 53% of registered voters, remain a key demographic, with Lula leading among them while Bolsonaro leads among men and evangelicals.