Bolsonaro’s party will have the largest bench in the Brazilian Senate after legislative elections

The Liberal Party (PL), which promotes the presidential candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro, consolidated itself as the main political force in the Brazilian Senate after the legislative elections held on October 4, in which it won 19 of the 54 seats up for grabs.

With these results, the political organization linked to former president Jair Bolsonaro will have 28 of the 81 senators starting in February 2027, becoming the largest caucus in the Upper House, although without reaching an absolute majority on its own.

The legislative renewal coincided with the first round of Brazil’s presidential elections, whose second round pits President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against opposition senator Flávio Bolsonaro this Sunday, October 25.

The advance of the PL strengthens its representation in Congress and sets the stage for political negotiations for the next Government, regardless of who emerges victorious in the presidential elections.

Brazilian Senate: composition

The Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB), of centrist orientation, obtained seven of the contested seats, while the Workers’ Party (PT), led by Lula da Silva, secured six representatives.

With the new composition of the Brazilian Senate, the PT will have nine legislators and the MDB eight, figures that reflect the advantage achieved by the Liberal Party over the other political organizations.

During the October 4th elections, Brazilians elected two senators for each of the 26 states and the Federal District, thus renewing two-thirds of the Upper House.

The 54 elected legislators will assume their duties on February 1, 2027, for an eight-year term.

Brazilian Senate and alliances

The new parliamentary representation of Bolsonarism could influence the next Brazilian administration, especially in the approval of legislative initiatives, appointments, and decisions that require the support of the Senate.

However, having the largest bench does not guarantee the Liberal Party absolute control of the body, because it will need to establish agreements with other political forces to reach the 41 votes that constitute the majority of its 81 members.

The result of the legislative elections takes on special relevance ahead of this Sunday’s presidential runoff, as the next leader will have to govern with a Congress in which alliances will be fundamental to advance their agenda.