Bolsonaro gains support from Union Progressista, Caiado; runoff set for October 25

Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro secured formal endorsements from the Union Progressista federation (comprising União Brasil and Progressistas parties) and former Goiás Governor Ronaldo Caiado on October 6, strengthening his position ahead of the October 25 runoff. Caiado, who finished fifth in the first round with 2.18% of the vote, publicly announced his backing at an event in Goiânia attended by reelected São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and other political figures. The Union Progressista federation announced its unanimous decision to support Bolsonaro after maintaining neutrality in the first round, citing his platform for modernizing public administration and reorganizing the economy.

Bolsonaro also secured support from eliminated right-wing candidates. Former Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema of the Novo party, who received 0.27% of the vote, publicly committed to backing Bolsonaro after pledging before the election to support any runoff opponent of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro confirmed he met with representatives from the Republicanos and Podemos parties on October 6 and expected their formal endorsements following internal deliberations, though party leadership indicated members who choose to support Lula would not face penalties.

Bolsonaro won the first round with 47.03% of the vote, compared to Lula's 45.16%—a margin exceeding 2 million votes. During campaign events, Bolsonaro promised to construct over 500,000 prison spaces, increase sentences for criminal faction leaders, and designate major trafficking organizations as terrorist groups. He also stated he would use a congressional majority to amend the Constitution.

Meanwhile, President Lula focused on internal campaign strategy and policy advocacy. On October 6, he held campaign meetings at the Alvorada Palace and participated in leadership discussions at Planalto with Minister José Guimarães. Lula emphasized his administration's push for labor reform, particularly the proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule, which would reduce the weekly workday to 40 hours without salary cuts. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre scheduled a vote on the measure for October 15.