Brazil's runoff: Lula vs Bolsonaro in a vote that could reshape US influence
Brazilians vote Sunday in a tense presidential runoff between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, a contest that could expand US influence in Latin America. Bolsonaro led the first round by over 2.2 million votes, but neither candidate secured a majority. Bolsonaro, 45, seeks to return his family to power while his father serves a 27-year sentence for coup attempts. Lula, 80, promises to share resource wealth and has boosted welfare payments, cut fuel taxes, and backed a reduced workweek to shore up support. Bolsonaro has pledged hard-line security policies like megaprisons and faces corruption investigations. Lula warns against US meddling, while Trump has favored Bolsonaro with tariffs and gang classifications. A Bolsonaro win would add Brazil to several Latin American nations with Trump-friendly governments.