Flávio Bolsonaro heads to the U.S. after losing Senate race

Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has left the country for the United States following his loss in the October 4 Senate election. The departure marks a sharp contrast to the previous cycle, where he held a seat in the upper chamber of Congress until the end of his term.

Bolsonaro had sought re-election in the recent vote, aiming to retain his position representing the state of Rio de Janeiro. He finished second in the first round, which forced a runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro's rival, Eduardo Girão. In that second-round contest held on October 26, Bolsonaro conceded the seat to the Liberal Party candidate.

The political timeline for the Bolsonaro family has shifted rapidly in recent months. The President ran for a fourth term but lost the presidential race to Lula in October. Now, with the Senate seat also gone, the family's direct representation in the federal legislature has been reduced to the President's remaining term.

Bolsonaro announced his departure on social media on Wednesday. He stated that he was leaving to be closer to his family and to take a break from the public spotlight. He did not specify a return date but indicated he would remain in the U.S. for an undetermined period.

The former senator has been a central figure in his father's political strategy since entering politics in 2018. His loss in the runoff is viewed by some analysts as a sign that the family's political base is broadening beyond its traditional evangelical and conservative core, though the President maintains that the movement remains strong.

In a post on X, Bolsonaro wrote: 'I'm going to the United States for a while to be with my family. I'll be back soon. God bless you all.' The message was posted shortly after he boarded a private jet at Santos-Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro.

The move comes as the new government prepares to take office in January. Incoming President Lula has already begun assembling his cabinet and outlining a legislative agenda that includes economic reforms and social programs. The absence of a Bolsonaro-aligned senator in the new chamber may influence the dynamics of these early sessions.

Bolsonaro's time in the U.S. will coincide with the final days of his father's presidency. The outgoing President is expected to use his remaining weeks to sign decrees and appoint key officials before handing over the presidency in January. Family members have not confirmed whether Bolsonaro will attend the inauguration ceremony in Brasília.

The former senator's exit from the country also ends his daily presence on the Brazilian political scene. He has been a vocal critic of the opposition in recent months, often clashing with leaders of the Workers' Party. His return to Brazil is expected to coincide with the start of the new legislative session in February.